Vegan Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
This is my new favorite way to eat kale. I have always cooked it, but it is so much better raw. I thought the kale would be more bitter, but it really has a great flavor when its raw. My son just wants it raw now too (unless I am making kale chips). He ate 3 huge servings of this salad. It is so colorful and it is packed full of nutrients and the quinoa gives the salad a little more protein.
I have been trying to eat more raw foods lately in an attempt to detox after the holidays. Some things, like kale, are great raw. Other things, like sweet potatoes, not so much. I have also greatly reduced my coffee consumption, which was really scary for a family for a few days, and given up refined sugar. I am feeling much better already, so hopefully I can stay on track this time.
Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup quinoa, uncooked, rinsed
1 bunch kale
3 oranges sectioned
3 large carrots peeled and grated
1/2 cup raisins
Balsamic vinaigrette- recipe follows
Pre heat the oven to 400. Place the sweet potatoes on a large sheet pan and toss with the olive oil and a little salt. Roast them for about 20-25 minutes until they are fork tender. While the potatoes are roasting, cook the quinoa. Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small sauce pan. Add in the quinoa, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the stem from the kale and chop it. Put the kale in a large bowl. When the potatoes and quinoa are finished, combine them with the kale and all the remaining ingredients and toss it together.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 TBSP dijon mustard
1 TBSP agave nectar or honey
1/4 tsp salt
pepper to taste
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
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