Vibrant Kale Quinoa Salad

quinoa salad recipe holistic nutrition

 

 

Vibrant Kale Quinoa Salad is packed with exciting flavors and colours. It gets a tanginess from marinated onions and sundried tomatoes, a sweetness from the raisins, carrots and curry dressing, and lots of crunch from the celery, kale and seeds. The quinoa also gives it a protein punch that makes it very filling. It contains turmeric which has been found to protect against cardiovascular disease and beets which contain anti-inflammatory compounds that have been studied within the context of heart disease.

 

 

Prep time: 20 minutes
Inactive prep time: 15 minutes
Serving size: 6 mains

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa
½ red onion, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp balsamic Vinegar
1 bunch of kale, washed, dried, chopped with stems removed
3 carrots, grated
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
1 cup goat feta cheese, crumbled or cubed (optional)
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
2 Tbsp sesame seeds

Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp sesame oil
2 Tbsp tahini
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar>
3 tsp nutritional yeast
2 tsp turmeric
2 tsp cumin
½ tsp white pepper, or to taste

Directions:

Place quinoa in a pot and add 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Place the red onions in the balsamic vinegar and toss to coat. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. Discard any remaining liquid.

Mix all dressing ingredients together and whisk or process in a food processor until mixed.

Place the kale in a large bowl and massage with the dressing. Top with the cooled quinoa, carrots, celery, raisins, sundried tomatoes, goat feta, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds and enjoy.

by Jesse Lane Schelew, Holistic Nutritionist