Have you had kale? How about quinoa? I know some strange names… but they’re so good for you. Kale is from the cabbage family is is one of the most nutritious vegetables. It’s chock full of vitamins such as A, E, C & K and is hearty and filling. I talked about quinoa’s health benefits in a previous quinoa salad recipe post. It’s high in protein and is mild in flavor. This super duo is paired with a sweet and tangy Fuji apple & Lime Vinaigrette.
Derrick and I are trying to make healthier food choices. It’s been pretty hard considering that we both love to eat, enjoy trying new restaurants, and I love to bake (with bacon occasionally). So this recipe is an attempt to add a healthy but flavorful dish to our routine. You have to try this salad if you’re trying to eat better or looking for ways to amp up your meals with good for you things. This kale and quinoa salad is satisfying and delicious. I’ve added shredded carrots, apples and almonds for some extra color, crunch and nutrition. The great thing is that you can make this salad ahead of time and it’s good to go the next day. It’s important to let the raw kale marinate in the vinaigrette overnight to help soften the leaves. It’s perfect for entertaining, pot lucks and parties. It’s so simple and the flavors are bright and cheery.
Kale and Quinoa Salad with Apple Lime Vinaigrette
Time: 30 mins Serves: 4 – 6
Ingredients:
10 oz kale, spines removed and coarsely chopped into about 1 inch pieces
½ C uncooked quinoa
2 C shredded carrots
½ large Fuji apple, chopped
¼ C sliced almonds
Fuji Apple Lime Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
½ C grated Fuji apple (about ½ of a large Fuji apple)
zest of one lime
juice of one lime (about 2 Tbs)
1 tsp sea salt
¼ C rice vinegar
2 tsp sesame oil
¼ C canola oil
2 Tbs sugar
Directions:
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Place washed and chopped kale into a large rectangular container with lid.
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Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook in a rice cooker with 2/3 C of water on quick cook or follow package directions and cook on stove top. Once done, cool and add to kale. Add shredded carrots.
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Grate ½ of the Fuji apple. This should yield about ½ C of grated apples and juice. Add lime zest and lime juice. Add salt, rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil and sugar. Whisk to combine. Add to kale, quinoa and carrot mixture. Close lid and shake to combine. (tip – save the lime after juicing and rub the limes on the remaining half apple to prevent browning, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate)
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Place container into fridge and let sit overnight. Occasionally while go back and shake the container to help mix the contents.
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The next day, chop the remaining half of the apple. Add apples and almonds to salad and mix to combine.
Enjoy!!
This is what I used to grate the apple. It's fits over a small bowl to catch all of the apple bits and juice.
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YAY!! the post is UP!!! Thank yoU!! Everybody needs to make this salad. ITS ABSoluteLY Delicious!!! Thank you for sharing your salad with me. Can’t wait to make it tomorrow. 😀
Yay! I’m so glad you like the salad and that you’re making the salad tomorrow! Woothoo! I agree – everybody needs to try this salad! 🙂
Looks fresh and delicious! great photo 🙂
Looks fresh and healthy and cool for a summer meal.
its marinating right now! It only cost me $8 to buy kale/almonds/carrots (&ciabatta bread) @ trader joes. Everything else was all in my cupboard/fridge. yay. can’t wait to try it tomorrow morning. Thank you again!
Diane & Susan: Thank you!! Definitely fresh at great for summer!
Amy: Yay! I say $8 to feed 4 to 6 ppl is a pretty great deal (considering you also bought ciabatta bread) Hope you love it!! Woot hoo!
We’ve completely turned around our diet in the last few months. It’s a challenge since we are vegetarian. Kale and quinoa are both items that I’ve been trying to incorperate into meals. I’m definitely going to try out this salad soon! It looks delish.
Urvashee: We need to reconsider our diet too… the problem is I have absolutely no discipline… I find it so hard to resist cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream. Well the list is too long to type out 🙂 So when I make something that’s full of good stuff like kale & quinoa – I’m so proud of myself! Hope you like the salad! Thank you!
This looks really good; I love kale and quinoa salads. I will definitely have to try your apple vinaigrette.
Tammi Kibler @ How do you cook quinoa: Thank you! I can’t wait until you try the apple vinaigrette! 🙂
I’m looking for this apple grater for last decade ! Where did you buy it? I used to have one similar to yours and I really need it.
Hi Nina! I love this grater! I use it for everything – daikon, ginger, apples! I bought mine from a Japanese market (Marukai in Costa Mesa, CA) Good luck – I hope you find one in your area!
I’m a big fan of kale and quinoa. I have several recipes on my own blog, but this salad beats them all. Truly delish. I was surprised to see the whole bowl of salad gone before the roast beef. Have a wonderful new year!
Kristi: Me too! Love kale & quinoa! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the recipe! Woothoo – it beat roast beef! That’s quite the accomplishment! Take care and happy new year to you too!!
Hi there! I made this salad and posted it on my blog. It was fantastic. Gave your blog complete credit of course. Have a good day!
Some changes I would make — Way too salty vinaigrette to me. Next time I make this, I will use way less salt. Also, it was quite wet, so I would advise pouring in some of the liquid, stirring and then seeing if you need more. A little goes a long way in flavor. I also doubled the amount of quinoa to make it more hearty. I also added a touch of organic cran-apple juice to lighten the lime taste a bit. Balanced it out nicely. Very yummy! Thanks for the inspiration!
So far I’ve made this salad 3 times and it’s been a hit each time. Thanks so much for sharing. Family and friends love it!