Home Recipes Red Quinoa and Kale Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

Red Quinoa and Kale Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

This hearty, healthy salad is loaded with crunchy hazelnuts, whole grain quinoa, and tender kale. The combination of sweet dried cherries and a tangy honey balsamic dressing complements the nutty, savory flavors of the grains and greens to create a delicious side dish for any occasion.
Featuring Oregon Hazelnuts

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

85 g	dry red quinoa, rinsed well
235 ml	water
335 g	thinly sliced kale leaves
1 tbsp	extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp	fine sea salt
150 g	toasted Oregon hazelnuts, chopped
80 g	dried cherries
2 tbsp	crumbled feta cheese
	Vinaigrette
2 tbsp	finely chopped shallot
60 ml	extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp	balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp	honey
½ tsp	fine sea salt
¼ tsp	ground black pepper

Step 1
To cook the quinoa, add it to a medium saucepot and pour in the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. Transfer to a colander and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Step 2
Add the kale to a medium bowl and pour in the 1 tbsp of olive oil. Sprinkle with the ¼ tsp salt. Use clean or gloved hands to squeeze the kale, massaging the oil and salt into the greens. Massage for about 30 seconds. The kale will look slightly wilted. Set aside.
Step 3
Transfer the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the kale. Add the hazelnuts, cherries, and feta.
Step 4
To make the dressing, whisk together the shallot, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey in a small bowl until all ingredients are combined into a dark dressing. Stir the salt and the pepper.
Step 5
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all ingredients well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

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Appetizers, Dinner, Fruits & Vegetables, Gluten-free, Lunch, Quick Meals, Sides, Vegetarian or Vegan

Red Quinoa and Kale Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients

Vinaigrette

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

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