Zesty Quinoa and Kale Delight with a Kick of Dijon Mustard

This vibrant and nutritious dish combines the health benefits of quinoa and kale with the tangy punch of Dijon mustard. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch or a hearty side dish. The blend of textures from the quinoa, the crunchiness of the kale, and the creamy richness of the Dijon dressing make it a delight for the taste buds.

Ingredients###:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions###:

1. Cook the Quinoa:
– Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
– In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth.
– Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
– Fluff with a fork and set aside.

2. Prepare the Kale:
– While the quinoa is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
– Add the chopped kale and blanch for about 2 minutes, or until bright green and slightly tender.
– Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, blanched kale, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted slivered almonds.

4. Make the Dressing:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

5. Toss the Salad:
– Pour the dressing over the quinoa and kale mixture.
– Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

6. Serve:
– Transfer the zesty quinoa and kale delight to a serving dish.
– Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy###:
This dish can be served alone as a main course or as a side dish. The combination of nutrient-dense ingredients makes it not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Bon appétit!