Kale and Quinoa Salad with Caramelized Onions
A hearty and nutritious salad showcasing the earthy goodness of quinoa, tender kale, and sweet caramelized onions. Enjoy it as a wholesome standalone meal with crusty bread for a lighter meal, or serve it as a delightful side dish.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
- 2 yellow onion chopped
- 2 clove(s) garlic minced or pressed
- 1/4 teaspoon(s) white sugar (or preferred sweetener)
- 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
- 1/2 cup(s) quinoa
- 1 bunch(es) kale stems removed
- 1/4 cup(s) dates pitted, chopped
- 1/2 cup(s) roasted almonds roughly chopped (or sub roasted pepitas for nut-free)
For the dressing:
- 1/2 orange juiced (2 - 3 tablespoons)
- 1/2 lime juiced (1 tablespoon)
- 2 teaspoon(s) agave or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup(s) olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the onions and garlic. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes stirring every now and then and adjusting heat as needed to make sure they don't burn. Remove the lid and stir in the sugar and salt. Cook uncovered, stirring as needed until the onions have caramelized, another 5 - 10 minutes. Set aside.
- In the meantime, cook the quinoa according to instructions on packaging.
- Make the dressing by mixing all the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir about 2 tablespoons of the dressing into the cooked quinoa.
- Toss the kale with the warm quinoa and the caramelized onions. Drizzle with the remaining dressing then toss with the dates and almonds. Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving (recipe makes 4 servings) | Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 167mg | Potassium: 549mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 3293IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 3mg
Find it online:
https://www.easyveganmealplan.com/recipe/kale-and-quinoa-salad/