Honey Crisp Quinoa Salad with Kale and Pistachios

This time of year, we all make an extra effort to eat healthy. Delicious and easy to prepare salads are a fantastic option to healthy eating without a feeling that you are sacrificing taste. It’s all about finding which recipe entices your palate. I find the best way to maintain healthy eating throughout the week is to prep your salad ahead of time and store your without the dressing. For example, this salty and sweet Honey Crisp Quinoa Salad with Kale and Pistachios will keep nicely in your refrigerator a few days if you keep the pistachios and the apples on the side. Just add the nuts and apples with the dressing when you are ready to eat it. 

My daughter-in-law came across this chopped Honey Crisp Quinoa Salad with Kale and Pistachios at Thanksgiving from How Sweet Eats. She had asked if I would make it for our holiday meal.  Since then, I have been enjoying it with and without adding the quinoa.  Below is my variation. You can see Jessica’s recipe here:

Ingredients for Salad

• ½ cup cooked Quinoa
• 1 large bunch of kale (about 4-6 cups) rinsed well with stems removed
• 2 large honey crisp apples sliced
• 6 ounces of feta cheese
• 1/3 cup dried tart cherries
• ¼ cup salted pistachios

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

• 1/3 cup apple cider
• 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 clove of garlic minced
• Salt & pepper
• Dash of nutmeg
• ½ cup virgin Oil

Prepare quinoa as directed on the package. Make the dressing by whisking the apple cider, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, add the olive oil and blend well. Chop the kale, then add the other ingredients to a large salad bowl and toss. This recipe serves four people.

I have also used this simple and easy apple cider vinaigrette on beet salad. Add cooked sliced beets to your favorite greens and top with pistachios and goat cheese.  It will store nicely in your refrigerator 4-5 days.

I found that if I take the time to prepare homemade dressing ahead of time and keep freshly chopped vegetables in my refrigerator, it helps keep me on track to eat well balanced meals.

Read:>> Healthy Spring Asparagus Soup