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I can remember my grandmother being able to make extraordinary meals and sweet treats. I was always surprised how some leftovers, a few fresh ingredients, and the kitchen basics created a new meal in a matter of minutes. She didn’t need a cookbook, anything fancy, or hours of prep, but somehow everything was delicious. Grandmothers are the best!
Yesterday was the first time I walked into the kitchen to make dinner and had no idea where to start. I grabbed sweet potatoes out of the pantry and opened the refrigerator to find apples and kale…a lightbulb went off! This was the first time I stood in my kitchen with no idea of what I wanted and no plan, but somehow created a simple and very healthy dinner. I couldn’t help but think if my grandmother was watching she would have been proud.
First, I started the quinoa on the stovetop. While it was cooking, I sautéed the sweet potatoes in olive oil until they were almost cooked through, about 7 minutes, and then added the kale and continued cooking until both were tender, about two more minutes.
I removed the skillet from the stovetop and added a diced apple and some dried cherries. I knew if the dried cherries were in there the girls wouldn’t turn it down. The quinoa finished cooking as soon as I finished mixing everything in the sweet potatoes and kale — perfect timing!! I added the quinoa to the sweet potato mixture, but it still needed something, so I whisked together a quick vinaigrette.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1 tsp honey dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 – 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Done. Start to finish 30 minutes.
My girls loved it, but I did add a few things to their dish — a sprinkle of goat cheese and a few chopped pecans. My oldest, who recently ate Applegate Chicken Sausage for the first time, said, “this would be perfect if it had sausage!” Not a bad idea from a four year old! If you eat meat, add the sausage to the skillet while you are cooking the sweet potatoes.
Sounds like she’ll be cooking for me one day. :)
| Sweet Potato, Apple and Kale Quinoa Salad |
|
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed if needed
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups peeled and diced sweet potato, about 2 medium sized sweet potatoes
- 4 cups chopped kale, discard the ribs
- 1 large apple, diced with lemon juice squeezed to prevent browning
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Balsamic Vinaigrette (recipe above)
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans and goat cheese
- Add the quinoa and vegetable broth to a medium pot, and turn on to high heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer until cooked, about 12 – 15 minutes.
- While quinoa is cooking — add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated add the diced sweet potatoes and salt, then cover. Stir occasionally, and if it starts to brown too much, add a little water or broth. Cook until almost tender, about 7 minutes, then add the kale and continue to stir until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Check on the quinoa — should be almost done at this point.
- Add the diced apple and cherries to the sweet potatoes.
- Once quinoa is cooked and cooled slightly add it to the sweet potatoes.
- Spoon in the vinaigrette, a couple tbsp at a time. We used about half the total vinaigrette, but add what works best for you!
- Top with goat cheese and chopped pecans, optional.
- Serve warm, room temperature, or cold!
12 comments… read them below or add one
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I can’t wait to try it!
yum! I’m going to try this with the kale we’ve got growing in the backyard.
That perfect timing thing when cooking is something I haven’t yet perfected
Looks delicious!
Love this salad. I am a fan of all the ingredients. Totally pinning this.
This is a wonderful recipe! I didn’t have exactly what I needed for the vinaigrette, but I didn’t miss it because the flavors were excellent. Thanks for sharing this easy meal!
So glad you enjoyed the dish, Amanda!
Thank you for this recipe! I made this tonight and it exceeded my expectations. I did not have cherries or goat cheese and it still tasted delicious. It was quick to make and I have left over dressing. Love your blog and I am on a mission to eat healthier. Your blog makes it possible
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you for the message. It means so much to hear from my readers! Have a great day!
This looks lovely in your photo. I may have to pick up some kale and dried cherries to try this out next week! I’m sure my 2 year old will eat this up.
This was tasty and simple!
Pleasantly surprised by this delicious meal! Thanks!
I just made this, after finding your beautiful blog.
YUM! My kids are still a bit hesitant about quinoa… but they LOVE sweet potatoes… I can’t wait for them to try it! Thank you for the lovely recipe!!