Honestly, I really suck when it comes to describe dishes, talk about foods in depth, explain what makes this or that recipe special. This kale salad is delicious, healthy and easy to make. No fancy adjectives. No overuse of description words. And the fact that I can use a local food deal to prepare it makes this salad even more exciting. I hope you try it!
KALE & QUINOA SALAD with SPICY CITRUS DRESSING
For the salad:
- 1 bunch of kale
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (I used Trader Joe’s Organic Quinoa and cook according to package directions adding some truffle salt and pepper. To get one cup of cooked quinoa, use ½ cup of raw quinoa)
- 1/4 cup of walnuts (slightly chopped)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1 small shallot (minced)
- 1 medium carrot shaved (use a vegetable peeler to shave the carrot in thin slices OR use a cheese grater)
For the dressing:
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- 2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Liquid Aminos (if you don’t have it in the pantry just substitute for salt)
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Start by cooking the quinoa. While quinoa is cooling off wash kale well. Remove the ribs from the kale. Pile the kale leaves on top of each other and roll them up like a giant cigar. Thinly slice the kale. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
Make the dressing by whisking with ‘gusto’. Taste it. Listen to your taste buds. They will tell you what to add (for me it’s usually more cayenne).
Now, this step makes all the difference so don’t skip it. Pour the dressing over the sliced kale mix and ‘massage’ it. Yes, massage it with your HANDS! Set aside and let kale marinade until slightly wilted (about 5 minutes). Add the remaining ingredients.
The salad will keep for over 4 days in the fridge depending on how fresh the kale was when you use it. When picking your kale bunch just make sure the leaves are not mushy and sad. You want happy kale with vivid color and crunchy aspect.
The Deal
Organic Curly Kale is always 99c at our local Ralph’s
Sprouts usually has good deals on ‘in bulk’ nuts and if you are not a nut eater you can buy just enough for the salad (no waste of nuts or money)