Kale, known for its health benefits, including being rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as being a good source of minerals and fiber, can be a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. Here’s a delightful recipe for a Kale and Quinoa Salad that’s perfect for a health-conscious audience. This dish is not only packed with nutrients but also full of flavor, making it an ideal choice for a blog post that appeals to both health enthusiasts and food lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
• 2 cups water
• 4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced or chopped

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool.
2. Prepare the Kale: While the quinoa is cooking, place the chopped kale in a large bowl. If the kale is tough, you might want to massage it with a little bit of olive oil to soften.
3. Make the Lemon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Combine the Salad: To the bowl with the kale, add the cooled quinoa, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Toss with Vinaigrette: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
6. Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top of the salad for an added crunch.
7. Serve: The salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Kale and other delicious greens are part of our spring farm box season. Sign up for our farm boxes online today! You can find more delicious recipes on our blog.