Kale and Quinoa Salad with Black Beans

Raw kale is an acquired taste, so if you’re not a fan, try steaming the kale for a few minutes instead of massaging it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed very well (I used a combo of red and white quinoa)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
• 3 tablespoons vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder (or other pure chile powder, not a blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste (optional)
• 4 – 6 cups chopped kale leaves (about 4-5 ounces)
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced or cubed (optional)
• additional lemon juice and seasonings, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a saucepan. Add the rinsed and drained quinoa and the garlic and toast it until almost dry. Add the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer until all the water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, make the dressing in a small bowl or measuring cup: whisk together the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons broth, chia seeds, chile powders, cumin, and salt. Allow to stand until the chia seeds start to thicken the dressing.
3. Place the kale in a large serving bowl. Add half of the dressing and massage it into the kale using a wringing motion until the kale is very tender. Two minutes of massaging should do it, but the longer, the better. Add the quinoa, black beans, carrot, and bell pepper, along with the remaining dressing. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Just before serving, check the seasoning and add more lemon juice, chile powder, cumin, and salt, as needed. Stir in chopped avocado, if desired, or serve with slices of avocado on the side.

Preparation time: 25 minute(s) | Cooking time: 25 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 6. Makes about 8 cups.

Nutrition (per serving, no avocado): 206 calories, 22 calories from fat, 2.5g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 509.8mg sodium, 535.9mg potassium, 37.3g carbohydrates, 8.1g fiber, 1.3g sugar, 10.3g protein.

Nutrition (per serving, with avocado): 254 calories, 59 calories from fat, 6.9g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 512.1mg sodium, 682mg potassium, 39.8g carbohydrates, 10g fiber, 1.4g sugar, 10.9g protein.