Get ready to revolutionize your lunch game with a salad that's not just a meal, but a nutritional powerhouse! Our Super Green Kale Salad with Apple, Bacon, Quinoa, and Edamame is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a perfect harmony of crisp kale, protein-packed quinoa, sweet apple chunks, savory bacon crumbles, and protein-rich edamame - all dancing together in a tangy, refreshing dressing that will make your taste buds sing with joy. This isn't just another salad; it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your healthy eating to a whole new level!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Kale, chopped
- Quinoa, cooked
- Edamame, shelled
- Apple, diced
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, and crumble once cooled.
- Wash kale leaves thoroughly and remove tough stems. Chop kale into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Shell edamame if not already prepared. If using frozen, briefly steam or microwave according to package instructions.
- Dice the apple into small, uniform cubes to ensure even distribution in the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Once quinoa has cooled to room temperature, add it to the bowl with chopped kale.
- Add shelled edamame, diced apple, and crumbled bacon to the bowl.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips
- Massage your kale: Softening kale by gently massaging it with a bit of olive oil helps break down the tough fibers and makes it more tender.
- Toast quinoa before cooking: For extra nutty flavor, lightly toast quinoa in a dry pan before cooking.
- Bacon tip: Use thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and crispier texture.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Customize your protein: Feel free to swap bacon with grilled chicken or tofu for different dietary preferences.
- Keep ingredients crisp: Add crunchy elements like toasted nuts just before serving to maintain texture.
- Dressing hack: Make extra dressing and store in the refrigerator for quick salad preparations throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
