Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Kale + Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing


I have decided for the month of January I am going to try and stick to healthy recipes for my Wednesday posts.  I think we are all looking to detox a bit after the holidays and eat healthier as part of our New Years Resolutions.   

I am addicted to Kale Salads.  I usually make the New York Times Tuscan Kale Salad for lunch every week but I got the itch to try something new.  This months Cooking Light had a whole page of new Kale Salads to try and this is my spin on one of the recipes. I find Kale salads are better the longer you let them sit with the dressing on.  The leaves are heartier and won't get soggy so you can make this the day ahead and it just keeps getting better.  The dressing is the best part of this salad it is so flavorful.   I love that the salad incorporates quinoa, a grain, because it helps fill you up.  Lets be real sometimes an hour after I eat a salad I am still hungry. The quinoa gives the salad some bulk.  I added in pistachios because I love them and really like the crunch it gives the salad.
Next time I think I am going to add in some roasted mushrooms for an extra veggie and goat cheese.

Note- I doubled the dressing for one bunch of curly organic kale.  I try to always buy the organic kale.  I felt like it needed more dressing because the leaves were so dense.  If you use Tuscan Kale also called Lacinato Kale (the long thin leaved kind ) the measurements below may be enough.  When in doubt double it and add as needed.  Also if you aren't familiar Tahini can be found in the peanut butter section of the grocery store in a jar.  It is great to make hummus with as well.


|| K A L E + Q U I N O A  S A L A D  W I T H  L E M O N  T A H I N I  D R E S S I N G ||

- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and sliced into thin strips
- 1/4 cup pistachios chopped
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (approx one lemon juiced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper

combine the kale and quinoa.  Mix together lemon juice and next 5 ingredients.  Toss over salad.   Grate fresh parmesan over top and sprinkle with pistachios.


21 comments:

Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre said...

That looks amazing. Do you use water to make your quinoa or a flavored liquid like chicken broth? Thanks for the recipe definitely saving this one for future use!

Jill said...

yummy, I am on a kale kick too. I love that whole foods and trader joes has it already chopped up in a bag, ready for a salad

megan said...

This looks and sounds delicious! I started growing kale in my backyard and got some tahini in my stocking from my parents (is that weird?) so I'll definitely be trying this soon!

Lindsay, XO Lindsay said...

That looks delish! But back to the warm lemon water post... Umm, how do you not throw up? I find this drink extremely disgusting. Worth it?

Unknown said...

i am not a huge fan of tahini but everything else sounds great! xo jillian - cornflake dreams

Eloquently Emily said...

This recipe looks beyond amazing! Love anything with tahini!

Ally Harding said...

I've never had tahini before. I find it strange it's by the pb? Anyways this salad looks so good and I totally agree that kale tastes even better the longer the dressing sits. You got me hooked on the other kale salad so I'm sure this one is just as good!

Julia Ryan said...

yum. That looks so good and fresh!

Alicia xoxxo said...

So happy you posted this! I am def making this. I love a hearty salad that has some crunch. I all def add goat chees, my fave

Alyssa said...

I've just started putting quinoa in my salads, and I love the extra crunch it gives them. This looks delicious!

pretty little things said...

mmmmmmm this would be a perfect addition to my healthy lifestyle right now! xo

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com

pretty little things said...

mmmmmmm this would be a perfect addition to my healthy lifestyle right now! xo

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com

Leah said...

love all of your food posts--you have the best recipes, girl! I can't wait to try the NY times tuscan kale salad..I have heard such great things about it

Plum Pretty Sugar said...

Such a wonderful treat! Thank you for sharing this delight!

xo

www.PlumPrettySugar.blogspot.com

Plum Pretty Sugar said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jodi said...

This looks so delicious. Thanks for a lunch recipe!

Unknown said...

Can you come to my house and make this for lunch, pretty please?!!

Ashley said...

We too are trying to eat clean in January. Made this tonight -so good and the husband didn't complain about the lack if meat! http://www.oneingredientchef.com/sweet-potato-shepherds-pie/

Unknown said...

Such a wonderful treat! Thank you for sharing this delight! Anyways this salad looks so good and I totally agree that kale tastes even better the longer the dressing sits. I love that whole foods and trader joes has it already chopped up in a bag, ready for a salad.

Regards,
Diaper Bags

blue chickadee said...

This recipe sounds amazing!!!! Cannot wait to try it!!!

Gaby [The Vault Files] said...

Oh yum! Quinoa and Kale are two of my favorites!