Awesome Quinoa Beet Cold Salad

Christian and I like to try to keep cold salads on hand, so there is always a healthy snack ready to eat. So far, this is my favorite. It is really delicious. 

If you think beets bother you, I urge you to try non-pickled beets. Pickled beets are disgusting. However, roasted beets [which this recipe calls for] are really tasty and actually quite mild.

This recipe includes many nutrient rich foods:

Quinoa- high in protein. Offers calcium and iron.

Beets - High in dietary fiber. Offers Vitamin C and iron.

Kale- Very high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Offers calcium and iron.

Aduki Beans- High in protein. Offers calcium and iron.

Quinoa Beet Cold Salad

1 cup dry aduki beans [Also known as azuki and adzuki. Just depends on the brand, I guess.]

1 cup dry quinoa

about 2 cups chicken broth

2 to 3 medium sized beets, roasted [Recipe]

4 to 5 leaves kale

3/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 small red onion, chopped

2 tbsp garlic, minced

For the dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil 

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

3 tbsp honey

1 tsp seasoning salt or table salt

1 tsp black and red
2 tbsp lemon or lime juice [or 1 tbsp of each]

1. Prepare dry aduki beans [Recipe here. I realize that this is for garbanzo beans, but it's the same process. There is one note, though, the aduki beans only take about 30-45 minutes once simmering.] This process requires about 8 hours for the beans to soak, FYI. Once done, cool in refrigerator.

2. Prepare 1 cup dry quinoa according to instructions on package, only use chicken [or veggie] broth instead of water. Once done cool in refrigerator.

3. Prepare the kale. Pull the leafy part away from the stem. Chop into bite-sized pieces. Blanch [bring large sauce-pan of water to a boil. Add kale pieces. Allow to boil for no longer than one minute. Immediately pour  into colander.] Let cool. 

4. Once everything is cooled, gently combine beans, quinoa, kale, beets, basil, onion and garlic in one large bowl. Set aside.

5. In a medium liquid measuring pitcher [or small bowl] combine all of the dressing ingredients. Mix vigorously until fully combined. Pour on to salad and mix.

6. Enjoy

I hope anyone who tries this enjoys it as much as I do.