Time for gorgeous apples and what better healthy way to enjoy them by tossing them with some quinoa and kale. This qualifies as a super salad with all of it’s nutritional benefits but also because of it’s flavours, textures, and fun colours.
Barrie Hill Farms has its own apple orchard which produces Sunrise and Zestar! apples. Sunrise apples are a cross between a McIntosh and a Golden Delicious, it’s a great eating apple. Zestar! apples are sold as an “early Honeycrisp” and are perfect for baking or eating fresh. I chose the Zestar! for this recipe. These are so delicious that the name comes with it’s own exclamation mark – love it.
To look at this recipe you’d think there are loads of ingredients but it’s actually very simple. Cooking up the quinoa takes you only 10 minutes, let it cool and add your chopped veggies and nuts and you’re done. I’ve added some fun nuts and seeds with a lively dressing that your family will rave over. I’ve left the skin on because there are lots of nutrients in it but if you don’t know the source of your apples, I’d recommend removing it.
Have you started using fresh local apples in your dishes yet? I bet some of you are making delicious pies! Share with me on Instagram so I can show the world your beautiful creations! Just hashtag #simplyfreshdinners. Cheers!
Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
Print RecipeIngredients
- 3 cups kale, chopped
- 2 large apples, diced
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth or water (use organic vegetable broth for vegan)
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, (any colour except green) diced
- handful of parsley, chopped
- sea salt and reshly ground black pepper to taste
- Add a combination of your choice -pecans, walnuts, almonds, raisins, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds
- Dressing ( If you're in a hurry, a store bought Raspberry Vinaigrette works or a Garlic and Apple Cider Vinaigrette)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup raspberry wine vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons raw honey
- 2 tablespoons raspberry jam
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon shallots, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, cook quinoa according to directions, substituting vegetable or chicken broth for water. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let cool completely.
Add the kale, apples, celery, pepper, parsley, nuts, raisins and sees to the cooled quinoa to a large mixing bowl.
Combine ingredients for dressing in your food processor and pulse until well blended. Pour over the the salad and mix well until completely coated.
I love to include apples in salads because they offer a crisp bite with loads of flavour.
Summer Slaw with Peanut Dressing
34 Comments
Marie
August 26, 2016 at 9:21 amRobyn, I love everything about this salad – flavors, textures, eye appeal. It’s gorgeous and sounds delicious. I haven’t seen local apples here yet, but they will be here soon I’m sure. Putting this on my list to try. Hope you have a great weekend!
Marie recently posted…Basil Pesto with Almonds
Robyn
August 26, 2016 at 6:05 pmThanks so much, Marie. I really love to make salads different and interesting because I think we tend to dismiss them as boring. Have a great weekend, too!
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
August 26, 2016 at 10:43 amThis is a beautiful salad, Robyn! I love everything you packed in here! xo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 8/26/16
Robyn
August 26, 2016 at 6:06 pmThanks, Rebecca. I’m already looking forward to my usual Saturday morning visit to your blog to read your Friday Finisher. Love it when I can sit and relax and take it all in! Have a great weekend 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
cheri
August 26, 2016 at 11:30 amYour pics look amazing Robyn, love, love this salad, we are now seeing apples here in Oregon, so I can make my own.
cheri recently posted…Summer Garden Tart with Feta and Kalamata Olives
Robyn
August 26, 2016 at 6:07 pmThanks, Cheri! Everything here is a little earlier than usual because of the extreme heat this summer. I wish I was a baker because I love apples so much but I don’t think it’s meant to be, lol. Have a great weekend 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
August 26, 2016 at 1:26 pmI am so excited for fall produce season and those apples are beautiful. I love adding apple to kale salads. Yum!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings recently posted…Strawberry Lime Gin Rickey
Robyn
August 26, 2016 at 6:17 pmI love the apple/kale combo too, Karen! I’m on the fence about fall season but I do have to say this summer has been pretty severe. I love Fall, it’s just the Winter that follows, lol.
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
Chris Scheuer
August 26, 2016 at 1:42 pmIt’s hard to believe it’s apple time already but looking at your beautiful salad has put me in the mood. Now someone just has to tell the weatherman here in steamy Carolina! Love this salad, so fresh and pretty!
Robyn
August 26, 2016 at 6:32 pmIt’s the same all the way up north, Chris. It’s been unbearably hot all summer. I’m still not ready for Fall though! lol. Thanks!
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom
August 26, 2016 at 4:28 pmApples are my absolute favorite fruit, and I think they’re the perfect addition to a salad at this in-between time of year. It’s still warm enough for cold veggies and fresh salads, but the local orchards are RIPE! Beautiful dish, Robyn!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom recently posted…Sheet Pan Supper: Hawaiian Chicken
Robyn
August 26, 2016 at 6:35 pmI don’t eat enough apples, Blair, and I’m not sure why because I love them too! Hmmmm…Hawaiian Chicken! Can’t wait to see what you’re up to!
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
sue | theviewfromgreatisland
August 26, 2016 at 6:02 pmI can just imagine how the quinoa soaks up all these wonderful flavors!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland recently posted…Coconut Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce
Robyn
August 26, 2016 at 6:37 pmFunny, Sue, I thought of adding blueberries and now that I see your dessert I’m thinking I should have. Sometimes I just get carried away with ingredients though. That is one awesome looking panna cotta!!
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
Mindy
August 26, 2016 at 7:20 pmHoneycrisp are one of my favorite apples. I can’t wait to try this salad – a big bowl full of goodness : ) Shared on FB, G+ and pinned .
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Robyn
August 27, 2016 at 5:42 amThis is perfect for your new vegan eating, MIndy! Honeycrisp are awesome. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 When I moved over to this new theme, I lost my share numbers and they all went back to 1. Not sure what that means, lol. Have a great weekend!
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
August 26, 2016 at 7:24 pmA perfect salad as we move towards Fall. So excited for fresh apples ! Must try this variety.
Robyn
August 27, 2016 at 5:46 amIt was a first for me, Jennifer, and I was so excited about the taste. It’s quite different than other apples and I know you can do fantastic things with it in your baking! Enjoy the weekend.
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
Debbie Harris
August 26, 2016 at 10:54 pmThere is something delicious about apples and kale, mmmm your salad looks awesome!!
I have a dear friend coming for the day on Tuesday and I promised her that I would make a salad and I now know what that salad is going to be. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your goodness with us, sweet lady.
Your “Daffy Friend” Debbie
Robyn
August 27, 2016 at 5:50 amDebbie! You’ve been on my mind so much lately. I’ve landed on your page a dozen times to spend some time there and catch up and then get called away. And I can’t seem to leave a comment on Stephanie’s page. When I hit enter, it just goes *poof* and disappears!
How are you, beautiful lady? I’m so thrilled you’re going to make this salad. Will you take some pics so I can share?! This morning is dedicated to catching up so I’ll be able to see what you’ve been up to!
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
Anita Rivera
August 27, 2016 at 5:45 amGOOD MORNING dear friend! It’s always fun to come to your happy table and see the bright and healthy ingredients that keep us energized and ready to do our best. After I eat this way (always), I feel great and able to keep up with the demands of life. Speaking of which, the first day of school is already MONDAY! I always say that to be a teacher, one must eat properly, sleep well and HAVE FUN.
That kale salad is again, right up my alley! The crunch and textures make eating even more fun!!!!
I HOPE you are well and ready for the new season. Summer is slowing turning its back on me, but I am looking forward to fall and especially your recipes that I know will be sensational. MUCH LOVE my friend! Anita
Robyn
August 27, 2016 at 5:54 amAnita! This week has been overwhelming to say the least and I have a ton of great news I’d love to share with you when we talk next 🙂
This morning I get to catch up and visit with my talented friends and can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to on IG this week. I briefly saw an outstanding pic of a ballerina’s feet and I almost fell off my chair! You are so awesomely creative, my friend.
Thanks for your kind words – this is a yummy salad. Enjoy your weekend and good luck on Monday! Love to you. xoxo
Robyn recently posted…Apple and Quinoa Kale Salad
Anita Rivera
August 27, 2016 at 6:07 amROBYN! HI! You are an early bird like me!!!! WELL, I am excited to know you have some fun scoop to share with me! And we must schedule a time soon to chat. Ii know you have been working so hard and with that, good results come. I can’t wait to hear all about it!!!! OH! I must tell you. Our home is finally going to be featured in Romantic Country Homes magazine that will be on our shelves in the US on September 27. My studio MIGHT be on the cover, if they can tweak the photo for the text that has to be on the cover. Even if it doesn’t make it there, it’s still an honor!
School starts MONDAY! And yes, you saw some ballerina feet on my IG! Since then, I had to return to school for preparations and meetings, so I didn’t have much time to do much else. I have a few new photos, but like summer is fading, so are my opportunities to capture as much color as possible. Now it will be my weekends that I’ll use to enjoy that part of my adventure!
OK dear friend, this salad must be made this weekend chez moi. Gotta get energized and ready for Monday!
MUCH LOVE and talk soon! Anita
Robyn
August 28, 2016 at 7:19 amThat is SO amazing, Anita! I will ask my US cousins to bring a copy when they come for Canadian Thanksgiving in early October. I can’t wait to see it!
Stephanie
August 27, 2016 at 9:41 pmMmmm…. those apples look divine, my friend. How I love the taste of a fresh apple picked right off the tree 🙂
You have been in my thoughts, dear friend. My mom mentioned to me that you have not been able to leave a comment on my blog – I’m so sorry about that! I’m not sure what the issue could be, but you know Blogger….there seems to always be something going on.
I hope you’ve had a wonderful summer. Mine flew by and I am shocked to see August coming to a close. I went for a drie yesterday and there is already quite a bit of snow up on the mountains…. They are saying it will be a hard and cold winter this year which I am kind of excited about since I love the snow and sometimes the cold {{smiles}}
Anyway, know that you are thought of often. Love to you!
Robyn
August 28, 2016 at 5:26 pmThanks so much, Stephanie!
Yes, when I go to your blog and type a comment and then push enter, it just disappears, lol.
Summer has been fabulous and like you, I have no idea where it all went. I am not ready for Fall even though it was blistering hot here this year. Snow already? Wow! I would just like it to be Fall all the time – it’s so pretty and the temps are just right.
You are often on my mind as well, friend, and I’m so glad things are wonderful with you. Please know I’m reading your posts. Perhaps I’ll email my comments to you like you had to do for awhile. At least that way we can keep in touch! Take good care.
Marla
August 28, 2016 at 11:08 amHi Robyn,
This looks so delicious. I always loved Honey Crisp apples and didn’t know that they had a early version of them now. Apples always give salads a tasty and crispy touch and the ingredients in this salad are filled with health. Sounds perfect for a summertime meal. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!
Marla recently posted…“5 Ways to Make Your Garden Thrive with Essential Oils!”
Katherine | Omnivore's Cookbook
August 31, 2016 at 12:26 pmCan’t get any more perfect than this. Healthy, delicious, beautiful salad!
Katherine | Omnivore’s Cookbook recently posted…Savory Oatmeal with Chicken and Spinach
Marla
September 1, 2016 at 7:35 amHI Robyn,
Just a note to let you know that I have chosen your post as one of my features for this weeks Real Food Fridays blog hop that goes live every Thursday @ 7pm EST. Thank you for being part of Real Food Fridays and sharing your valuable information. Have a healthy, happy, safe & blessed holiday weekend!
Marla recently posted…“How To Start Your Day Healthy With Water, Yoga And Fresh Food!”
Vanessa
September 1, 2016 at 2:48 pmMy goodness, this is an amazing meal. I am printing to make for sure. Delicious and so happy you shared at Dishing it and Digging it link party. You rock!
Vanessa recently posted…Dishing It and Digging It Link Party #111
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Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
September 5, 2016 at 11:44 amRobyn, that is a gorgeous salad! I love everything about it and wish I could have it for dinner this evening! Pinning.
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com recently posted…Fresh Peach Sheet Cake
Robyn
September 5, 2016 at 1:31 pmThanks s much, Jean, and thanks for stopping by! This was a really fun salad to make even if I do get a little carried away with ingredients!
Robyn recently posted…Top 10 Salads Starring Tomatoes!
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