Hearty Quinoa and Kale Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

Hearty Quinoa and Kale Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

This vibrant and nutritious dish combines the nutty flavors of quinoa with the earthiness of kale, all brought together by a zesty lemon-herb dressing. The Hearty Quinoa and Kale Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing is not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
– 2 cups water
– 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Quinoa:
– In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
– Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
– Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let it cool.

2. Prepare the Kale:
– While the quinoa is cooking, place the chopped kale in a large bowl.
– Massage the kale leaves with a little bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt for about 2-3 minutes until the leaves soften and turn a darker green.

3. Combine Salad Ingredients:
– Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the bowl with the kale.
– Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.

4. Make the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
– In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Toss the Salad:
– Pour the lemon-herb dressing over the salad ingredients.
– Toss everything together until well coated.

6. Serve:
– Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a day to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy your Hearty Quinoa and Kale Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing as a refreshing and nutritious meal!