Crispy Kale and Quinoa Salad
Is it health food or comfort food? It’s both! Crispy Kale and Quinoa Salad, loaded with cozy flavors, textural appeal and nutrients.
I had a conversation a few days ago with another mom about packing school lunches. We were both slightly put off that our children would rather eat school cafeteria lunches than our home-packed lunches.
“It’s the comfort food and the freedom.” I told the other mom.
My kids would rather eat the school lunches with mashed potatoes, hot sandwiches, chips, and pasta than the healthy stuff we buy to pack. Plus, they love the fact that they have choices at lunch time. Who doesn’t?
I’ve got to give our school a little credit, they do a pretty good job of providing relatively healthy lunches that taste good. Yet even so, any parent wants to believe they can do better.
It helps to make healthy dishes taste like comfort food.
Is that even possible?
Our Crispy Kale and Quinoa Salad is packed with vitamins and nutrients, yet offers a homey quality that is hard to resist.
I’m not really sure why this Crispy Kale and Quinoa Salad is so addictive.
I think it’s the balance of soft fluffy quinoa tossed with super crunchy kale shards… or the nutty essence from the quinoa mixed with garlic.
But honestly, we cannot get enough of it! Each bite is light and crunchy with a deep satisfying flavor.
In fact, this is going to be the “green” on my Thanksgiving table this year.
Need more thanksgiving ideas?
Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes with Oat Crumble
Pumpkin Spice Latte Yeast Rolls
Find more recipes on our Turkey Day Pinterest Board.
Crispy Kale and Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 1/4 cup dried quinoa
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bunch kale stems removed
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2-3 dashes cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium sauce pot and set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot add the quinoa and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly. Pour in the stock and stir in the garlic. Cover and reduce the heat. Simmer for 18-20 minutes. Once the stock has absorbed and the rings around each seed have separated, remove from heat and keep covered to steam.
- Meanwhile, tear the kale into small 1- to 2-inch pieces. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with the remaining oil. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, garlic powder, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Toss and hand with your hands to coat well. Then spread the kale pieces out on two baking sheets in a single layer and bake for about 10 minutes until crisp.
- Once the quinoa is tender and fluffy, toss with a fork. Season lightly with salt and pepper if needed (remember the kale chips are salty). When ready to serve, toss in the crispy kale pieces. They soften over time, so do this at the last minute. Serve warm.
So good
I love the use of crispy kale! This is such a nice light lunch after all of the holiday feasts!
This salad is pretty close to perfect!!!
This looks so good, I love the crispy kale!
I feel this salad needs to be consumed tonight before the meat sweats start tomorrow! Love it:)
Loving how easy this is! Yum!