Kale & quinoa salad
Kale & Quinoa Salad
PREP: 15 minutes
SERVINGS: 6
Photo credit: Smitten Kitchen
Ingredients.
Salad
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup vegetable broth (to cook quinoa)
1 bunch kale, stems removed, shredded
1/2 cup toasted nuts (slivered almonds or pine nuts)
1/3 cup fruit (dried cherries, dried cranberries, or slides red grapes)
2 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tsp fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated
2 tbsp oil
Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar
3 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
salt and pepper
Instructions.
In a small saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until all the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat, cover with a lid and steam for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
In another small saucepan, toast the nuts on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown.
In a medium bowl, mix together 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wash the kale and dry well. Massage the kale into the oil until soft and mix together with quinoa.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing.
Serve the kale topped with the dressing, parmesan, and toasted nuts.
Meal-prep notes.
This recipe is freezer-friendly. Use Rubbermaid containers to store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition facts for babies.
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods packed with folate, vitamins A/C/K and calcium (bone development).
Quinoa is packed with iron, protein, omega-3 fatty acids (heart health), calcium, B vitamins, magnesium (cell function), and zinc (immune health).
Dried cherries are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
For moms: Folate and B vitamins (in dark leafy greens like kale) is an essential nutrient for pregnancy and postpartum recovery as it reduces the risk of neural tube defects. It also boosts energy, improves mood, supports hair growth and red blood cell development.
Sources: Solid Starts, Centers for Disease Control, WebMD, VeryWell, What to Expect
Kitchen tools.
Rubbermaid brillance containers
Adapted from.
Smitten Kitchen: Kale & Quinoa Salad (link) - I discovered this salad at The Smith restaurant (located in NYC and Washington DC) and fell in love with it!
