This week has been a blur. I feel exhausted. Today was the first day we didn’t have errands to run and appointments to get to. Bringing along the kiddos is a task. Those quick errands turn into exhausting hours when children are involved. I am over teething folks!!
As part of a diet overhaul, yes even nutritionist’s fall off the healthy wagon at times, I have been creative again in the kitchen, and always looking for something new and exciting to make. Meals we can all enjoy. R loves salads, she eats lettuce and salads plain all the time. It’s nice she has a very easy to please palate, sometimes it’s better than my palate. At least lately. Thankfully it’s not hard eating healthy with her.
I will be honest and say I have been craving the sweets. I am over my caffeine kick, but sweets have me!! It’s been fun to create “treats” that are healthy and only use natural sugars. It’s also been fun creating savory meals. I have a whole bunch lined up to share, so make sure you stay tuned in the next few weeks!! Our kitchen has been smelling tasty lately and the fridge stocked with great meals. It feels good.
Today’s special meal is a Sweet and Savory Kale Quinoa Salad. It has the crunch you need, the sweet and the savory. It’s simple and stores well for lunches and dinner again. An easy salad the whole family can enjoy and done in 30 minutes or less.
I added in the kale for it’s antioxidants and nutritional profile. The quinoa provides protein, it’s a complete protein, apples give some fiber, the nuts healthy fats, tart cherries give some sweetness, carrots provided carotenoids, and the feta adds a nice taste. It’s bursting with flavor, color and nutrition. Nutritionist approved for sure.
So dive in!!
- 1 c quinoa
- 3 c shredded kale or baby kale mix
- 2 c shredded carrots
- 1 chopped apple
- ¼ c feta (optional)
- ½ c sliced almonds
- ½ c dried tart cherries (or you can use other dried fruit)
- Dressing:
- ⅓ c olive oil
- ¼ c apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbs dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp salt & pepper (or to taste)
- little honey (optional)
- Cook quinoa according to package directions.
- While quinoa cooks, prepare vegetables and dressing.
- Once quinoa cools, add all ingredients and toss with the dressing.
- To make dressing: combine all ingredients, shake or whisk together.
- Enjoy cold.
- Stores in the refrigerator for a few days.
Sweet & Savory Kale Quinoa Salad Bowl, bursting with flavor - #gf Share on X
Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit
[…] The Sweet & Savory Kale Quinoa Salad asks for apple cider vinegar and olive oil. This recipe is also a great option for those craving sweets. It calls for apples, dried tart cherries, and a little honey, which provides a natural sweet flavor and curbs your sweet tooth. The Lemon Arugula Pasta Salad is another favorite. It is a light and simple pasta with an easy lemon pepper dressing using fresh lemon juice. […]