Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and supercharge your nutrition with this irresistible Black Eyed Pea Quinoa Kale Salad! Imagine a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines the hearty goodness of Southern-style ingredients with the modern twist of nutrient-dense superfoods. This isn't just another salad - it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your eating experience, boost your health, and leave you craving more with every delicious bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked black-eyed peas
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, wash the kale leaves thoroughly and remove tough stems. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.
- Massage the chopped kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness. Set aside.
- Dice the red onion into fine, uniform pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black-eyed peas, massaged kale, cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
- Create the dressing by whisking together remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a nutritious and refreshing salad.
Tips
- Quinoa Perfection: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter. This step ensures a clean, nutty flavor.
- Kale Massage Technique: Don't skip massaging the kale with olive oil - this breaks down the tough fibers, making it more tender and less bitter.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow the ingredients to marinate and develop a more complex taste profile.
- Customization Options: - Add protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a more substantial meal - Sprinkle some toasted nuts for extra crunch - Experiment with different vinegars for varied flavor notes
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and packed lunches.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
