Quinoa-Kale Salad Recipe with Apricots

It’s almost summer–that amazing time of year when fresh, delicious produce and the opportunity to make fresh, healthy food choices increases.

This nutrient-packed dish is the perfect seasonal meal that will keep you at your best this summer while giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sun and fun! Make this delicious quinoa kale salad part of your monthly meal plan this summer!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 cloves garlic – chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 ½ tbsp dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups washed kale – finely chopped
• 1 can of kidney beans – rinsed and drained
• ¾ cup dried apricots – chopped
• ¼ red onion- coarsely chopped
• 3 tsp fresh cilantro – chopped
• Pinch of ground pepper and salt

Directions:

1. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the quinoa and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Add the water, cover, and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer until the water is absorbed (about 20 minutes).
5. Leave to cool.
6. Make the dressing by whisking the garlic, cumin, mustard, kefir, salt, and pepper, slowly adding the olive oil.
7. Place the kale, kidney beans, apricots, onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
8. Add the quinoa and dressing, toss everything, then serve.​
   

​Take your salads to the next level with this twist on a classic.

This quinoa kale salad is packed with nutrient-dense superfoods that benefit your health in a number of ways. Quinoa–a complex grain and excellent source of protein– is rich in magnesium, an antioxidant that helps prevent damage to your cells during energy production.

Finally, the base of this summer salad-kale- is a rich source of iron, essential for transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, and calcium for strong bones! ​​

Will you try this yummy summer recipe? I can’t wait to hear how you liked it.

By: Allegra Egizi