Kale Strawberry Salad with homemade Balsamic Dressing

This hearty, green salad is a perfect healthy and easy recipe for any meal, and it is even dorm friendly for college students! It incorporates all of the food groups, so you can have it as a main dish, or as something on the side. This dish has a variety of nutritious ingredients, and it catches the eye. It can also be easily altered depending on your taste, and what ingredients fit your taste palette.

Nutrition:

- Kale is an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, and helps support eye health

- Strawberries contain high amounts of Vitamin C, which helps your body prevent diseases!

- Quinoa is high in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps with healthy bowel movements. It can also lower cholesterol which helps decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Recipe

Yields: 16 Servings

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

- 6 cups of chopped kale

- 3 cups of cut spinach

- 12 oz of strawberries, raw

- 2 cups of quinoa, cooked

- 4 oz of goat cheese, soft

- 1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped

For the Dressing:

- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar

- 1/8 cup of olive oil

- 1 tbsp of honey

- salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad

1. Start by boiling water for the quinoa, and once the water is at a boil, put it in for about 10 minutes, or until absorbed. Once done, drain the quinoa and set aside to cool.

2. Wash all of the fresh ingredients, and then begin preparing spinach and kale, then set aside.

3. Begin by removing the kale off of the stems, using your hands or kitchen scissors.

4. Slice the strawberries into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.

5. Begin combining all ingredients, mix well, then add walnuts and goat cheese on top.

2. Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

2. Add the honey, and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

3. Mix thoroughly, until all combined.

3. Assemble the Salad

1. Re-mix the dressing since oil and vinegar are due to separate, and then slowly pour the dressing atop the salad.

2. Using tongs, mix the salad and dressing thoroughly until combined.

3. Optional: Put goat cheese on the side, for different taste preferences

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