Introduction
Quinoa Salad with Kale, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan is a nutritious, vibrant dish that combines the earthy flavors of kale with the richness of pine nuts and the depth of parmesan. This salad offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, making it an ideal meal for those who appreciate wholesome ingredients and heartwarming flavors.
Tips for this recipe
To ensure your quinoa salad turns out perfect, consider the following tips: use high-quality kale that’s fresh to avoid bitterness; soak the pine nuts beforehand if you prefer a smoother texture; and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld together.
Why you will love this recipe
This Quinoa Salad with Kale, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan stands out for its health benefits—rich in fiber, proteins, and vitamins. Its unique combination of textures from the crunchy nuts to the tender quinoa, paired with a zesty dressing that elevates the greens, makes it an irresistibly fulfilling dish for any meal occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cups white quinoa, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3 cups chopped kale (about 12 ounces)
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 1/2 ounces)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Advised equipments
- Cuisinart Multi-Function Food Processor: Versatile for various tasks like slicing, dicing, or shredding.
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Vegetable Chopper: Quickly dices vegetables, including kale.
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer 5-Quart Basket & Beater Accessories Set: Ideal for mixing ingredients like dressing or garnishes.
- Zyliss Easy Grip Non-Slip Cutting Boards: Stable cutting boards ensure safety and efficiency in chopping vegetables.
- Chef’s Knife by Wüsthof: An essential knife for preparing all ingredients, including kale or pine nuts.
- OXO Good Grips Kitchen Scissors: Handy for cutting herbs, nuts, or quinoa without a board.
- Silicone Baking Mat: Potentially useful if you need to make pine nut powder by drying and grinding them.
- Ninja Food Processor 800W Blender & Juicer: Useful for blending or juicing components of the recipe.
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer Bowl Set (3-Piece): Perfect for mixing salad ingredients together efficiently.
- Chef’s Choice 15-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan: Can be used for sautéing veggies or preparations related to the salad.
- Food Grinder for Nuts & Spices (Kitchen Aide): While not directly listed, useful for grinding pine nuts if preferred over pre-chopped versions.
History of the recipe
The concept of a quinoa salad has deep roots in various cultures, with its modern incarnation gaining popularity as part of the global movement towards plant-based and whole food diets. The inclusion of kale, pine nuts, and parmesan reflects influences from Mediterranean cuisine, known for their emphasis on fresh produce, hearty grains, and rich flavors.
The origin of the recipe
This specific quinoa salad variant may have been inspired by regional cooking traditions where these ingredients are commonly used. The dish could be an adaptation that combines nutritious grains with a variety of greens, nuts for texture and protein, and cheese for depth of flavor.
Fun Facts about the recipe
- Quinoa has been cultivated in South America for over 3000 years, making it one of the oldest known food grains.
- Kale is considered a superfood due to its high nutrient content and health benefits.
- Pine nuts were historically valued as a currency among Native American tribes before being adopted in various cuisines around the world.