Twelve Superfoods Salad

This vibrant and nutritious Twelve Superfoods Salad is a powerhouse of flavors and textures. It’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like quinoa, edamame, kale, blueberries, and nuts, making it a perfect meal for those seeking a healthy and delicious option. The tangy orange-yogurt dressing ties everything together, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes.

Ingredients

• Salad:
• ½ cup dry quinoa, cooked according to package directions
• ½ cup frozen edamame, cooked according to package directions
• ½ bunch curly kale, about 4 to 5 cups, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces with thick ribs removed
• ½ cup fresh blueberries
• ½ cup red grapes, halved
• ½ cup dried cherries, chopped if necessary (dried cranberries may be substituted)
• ⅓ cup feta, goat, or parmesan cheese, crumbled or shredded
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds (unsalted)
• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (unsalted)
• Dressing:
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced or pressed
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
• 1 heaping tablespoon Greek yogurt (0% fat), sour cream may be substituted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Quinoa:

• Cook the quinoa according to the package directions, typically using 1 cup of water for ½ cup of dry quinoa. Once cooked, transfer about half of the quinoa to a very large bowl. Save the remaining quinoa for another use.

1. Cook the Edamame:

• Cook the edamame according to the package directions. Drain and add to the large bowl with the quinoa.

1. Assemble the Salad:

• To the large bowl, add the chopped kale, blueberries, halved grapes, dried cherries, crumbled or shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, and chopped walnuts. Stir to combine.

1. Make the Dressing:

• In a glass mason jar with a lid, combine the orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Seal the jar with the lid and shake vigorously for about 1 to 2 minutes until well combined.
• Add the Greek yogurt to the jar and shake until the dressing is creamy and fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. The dressing should be slightly on the saltier side to properly flavor the salad.

1. Dress the Salad:

• Add the desired amount of dressing to the salad. Toss well to combine and ensure the salad is evenly coated.

1. Serve:

• Serve the salad immediately. Extra dressing can be stored airtight in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake vigorously before using.

Tips

• Quinoa Cooking: Cook extra quinoa and save it for another meal or salad. It’s a versatile grain that can be used in various dishes.
• Kale Preparation: Make sure to remove the thick ribs from the kale as they can be tough to chew. Massaging the kale with a little olive oil can also help soften it.
• Dressing Storage: The dressing may separate when stored. Shake vigorously before each use to recombine the ingredients.
• Add-Ins: Customize the salad with other superfoods like avocado, pomegranate seeds, or hemp hearts for added nutrition.

Enjoy this delicious and healthy Twelve Superfoods Salad as a satisfying meal or a hearty side dish!