Are you tired of the same old boring salads? Do you want to impress your friends and family with a dish that's both healthy and delicious? Look no further! This Cranberry Kale Quinoa Salad with Candied Pecans and Feta is a game-changer. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy, this salad is sure to become a new favorite. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make and can be ready in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- While quinoa is cooling, wash and finely chop kale, removing tough stems. Massage kale with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness.
- Add chopped kale, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese to the cooled quinoa.
- In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a light dressing.
- Pour dressing over the quinoa mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Just before serving, sprinkle candied pecans on top for added crunch and sweetness.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled, garnishing with additional feta or pecans if desired.
Tips
- * Make sure to rinse your quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitter coating and ensure a fluffy texture. * Don't overcook your quinoa - 15 minutes is the perfect amount of time to achieve a tender but still slightly crunchy bite. * Massage your kale with olive oil to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness - it makes all the difference! * Prepare your ingredients ahead of time to make assembly a breeze. * Don't skip the candied pecans - they add a crucial crunch and sweetness to the dish. * Experiment with different types of cheese and nuts to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 252kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
