I haven’t posted very many salad recipes on my blog since I find it’s rather hard to make them look ‘sexy’ on camera. But taste-wise, this salad has a lot to offer- kale, quinoa, toasted pecans, cranberries, and a delicious Honey-Orange Dressing. This can make a great summer salad (especially if you add a little fresh peach) or can be served all-year round.
Plus, this salad is packed with nutrition: kale is high in Vitamins A and C and both kale and quinoa are high in protein and iron. This salad requires very little prep time and can be assembled in less than half an hour. Sex appeal or not- this salad certainly packs a punch and is worth giving a try!
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Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Place the whole pecans on a baking tray lined with parchment paper- bake for about 5 minutes until the pecans are lightly toasted. Remove from oven, chop them and set aside. To prepare the quinoa, rinse under cold water using a fine strainer until the water runs clear. Place the quinoa in a saucepan with 1 cup water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pan and cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and set aside. To prepare the kale, place the water or chicken stock in a fry pan, add the raw kale and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the kale softens (but should not be wilted). Add a dash of salt and remove from heat. To prepare the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, honey, turmeric and dried thyme. To assemble the salad, combine the cooked kale and quinoa in a large bowl, add the chopped onion, cranberries and pecans. Add the dressing and toss; add salt and pepper to taste and serve.Kale and Quinoa Salad with Pecans and Cranberries
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11 Comments
Lynn @ Oh-So Yummy
February 5, 2019 at 5:45 amThis sounds delicious! I am most curious about the dressing as I feel it makes the meal! I like kale somewhat cooked (or at least massaged) so it sounds like a keeper! Will tag you if I get a chance to make it soon!
Fran Flint
February 5, 2019 at 6:33 amLynn, thanks so much for your comment. I agree- I like Kale that has been cooked or steamed a bit. Let me know how your salad turns out!
Mimi
February 5, 2019 at 11:40 amFabulous! Such wonderful flavors and textures!
Fran Flint
February 6, 2019 at 1:51 amMimi, thanks so much for your comment!
John / Kitchen Riffs
February 5, 2019 at 11:47 amI’ve made a lot of kale salads where I’ve massaged or finely shredded the kale and served it raw. Good, but I’m coming around to cooking it briefly, too — seems easier to eat, and the color is fantastic. Great salad — a real keeper. Thanks.
Fran Flint
February 6, 2019 at 1:53 amThanks John! This salad is also Vegan (except maybe for the addition of honey).
Juliana
February 7, 2019 at 11:56 amFran, you just reminded me that I have not made kale salad for a while…I am loving all the ingredients in this salad, not only pretty but tasty as well. The dressing sounds awesome…love the citrus touch. Thanks for the recipe…I hope you are having a great week!
Fran Flint
February 7, 2019 at 3:49 pmJuliana, thanks for your comment. I agree tat the citrus dressing goes well with this salad- very healthy, too!
Marcellina
February 8, 2019 at 8:30 amFran, this is just the salad I need. It looks so fresh and healthy. I love quinoa but only have one or two recipes I make with it. Thanks for another option!
Fran Flint
February 8, 2019 at 8:54 amThanks Marcellina. Glad to give you a few other options for using quinoa!
David
February 10, 2019 at 1:25 amI hope this doesn’t sound silly, but I really love a good, chewy salad. This makes a perfect meal for me!