Nourishing Quinoa, Kale & Pomegranate Power Salad
Experience a burst of flavors and nutrients with this vibrant Nourishing Quinoa, Kale & Pomegranate Power Salad. This dish combines the nutty texture of quinoa, the earthy green of blanched kale, and the tart sweetness of pomegranate seeds, making it not only visually stunning but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, it’s drizzled with a zesty lemon-dijon dressing that beautifully ties together the diverse ingredients. Enjoy a wholesome meal that's as delicious as it is nutritious!
6
Servings
225
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
sugar
1 pinch (to taste)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
yoghurt
1 tablespoon (plain or Greek)
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin)
quinoa
2 cups cooked (approximately 1 small cup uncooked)
walnuts
1/2 cup (toasted and chopped)
kale
1 cup (shredded and blanched)
fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup (roughly chopped)
green onions
2 (finely chopped)
pomegranate seeds
1 cup (fresh)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the quinoa according to package directions, then fluff it with a fork and allow it to cool.
2
To prepare the kale, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the kale leaves into the boiling water and blanch for about 3 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the kale to a bowl of ice water to immediately halt the cooking process. Once cooled, remove the kale and pat dry.
3
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the lemon juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, and yoghurt. Gradually add in the olive oil, whisking continuously to ensure a well-emulsified mixture.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, toasted and chopped walnuts, blanched kale, fresh parsley leaves, chopped green onions, and pomegranate seeds.
5
Pour the zesty dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well-coated.
6
Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short while to allow flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
6.7g
Protein
4.2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Nourishing Quinoa, Kale & Pomegranate Power Salad.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains 225 calories.
Is this salad considered gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free as quinoa and the other ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
How much protein does a serving provide?
One serving provides 6.7g of protein.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There is 4.2g of fiber per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What type of dressing is used for this salad?
The salad uses a zesty lemon-dijon dressing made with lemon juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, yoghurt, and olive oil.
How should the kale be prepared?
The kale should be blanched in boiling water for 3 minutes, then placed in ice water to stop the cooking, and finally patted dry.
What are the main ingredients in the salad mix?
The main ingredients are cooked quinoa, toasted walnuts, blanched kale, fresh parsley, green onions, and pomegranate seeds.
What type of oil is recommended for the dressing?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the dressing.
How should the quinoa be prepared before assembly?
The quinoa should be cooked according to package directions, fluffed with a fork, and allowed to cool completely.
Are the walnuts raw or prepared?
The walnuts should be toasted and chopped before being added to the salad.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe.
Can I substitute the yoghurt in the dressing?
Yes, you can use plain or Greek yoghurt, or a plant-based alternative to make it vegan.
What herbs are included in this salad?
The salad includes 1/2 cup of roughly chopped fresh parsley leaves.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 finely chopped green onions.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
One teaspoon of Dijon mustard is used.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There is 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can this salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for a short while before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Why is the kale blanched?
Blanching softens the kale's texture and tones down its earthy bitterness.
What adds sweetness to the salad?
The pomegranate seeds provide a tart sweetness, and a pinch of sugar is added to the dressing.
What is the texture of the quinoa in this dish?
The quinoa provides a nutty texture that complements the greens and walnuts.
What is the purpose of the ice water bath for the kale?
The ice water bath immediately halts the cooking process, keeping the kale vibrant.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-emulsified?
Gradually add the olive oil while whisking continuously with the other dressing ingredients.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
It is typically served immediately at room temperature or refrigerated to be served chilled.
Can I use frozen pomegranate seeds?
Fresh pomegranate seeds are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How much quinoa is needed?
You need 2 cups of cooked quinoa, which is about 1 small cup of uncooked quinoa.
What makes this a 'power' salad?
It is described as a power salad because it is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrient-dense ingredients like kale and quinoa.