Fat & Happy: Warm Squash, Quinoa and Kale Super Foods Salad with Lemon Goji Berry Dressing.

I can’t get enough of this salad. I’ve made a variation of it for three different gatherings in the last week and the reviews are glowing.

Warm comfort foods are a must of you live in a cold climate, but often those foods are covered in artery clogging, fat-laden meats, creams and cheeses. And they can be so overcooked that they leave you feeling full and lifeless. لعبة روليت اون لاين

Finding myself in the midst of a detox during the above noted gatherings, and one them them landing on Meatless Mondays lead me on a quest to create a healthy comfort dish that was warm, filling and tantalizing to the taste buds.

The warmth of the squash and quinoa slightly soften the kale while the lemon goji berry dressing keeps the whole salad lively and fresh. The salad is so versatile you can add and subtract other veggies based on your seasonal veggies and what you have on hand.

Stay warm, filled and fueled with this Fat and Happy Warm Squash, Quinoa and Kale Super Foods Salad with Lemon Goji Berry Dressing.

Warm Squash, Quinoa and Kale Super Foods Salad
4-6 kale leaves, torn into bite sized pieces
2  red lettuce leaves, torn into bite sized pieces
1 cup spinach, torn into bite sized pieces
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced red and orange peppers
1/4 cup each: toasted walnut and pine nuts

Quinoa, Rice and Lentil Mixture
1 small butternut squash
3/4 cup brown rice
1/2 cup quinoa
1/3  cup lentils
3 cups broth or water
1/4 cup red onions, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon turmeric powder

Lemon Goji Berry Dressing
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1/2 cup olive oil
handful of parsley
1/3 cup dried goji berries (or craisins)
Juice of lemon
salt and pepper to taste
Roast the squash: Cut, peel and clean the squash. Dice into bite-sized pieces and toss with a drizzle of olive oil and roast at 400 degrees until just fork tender. I toss the squash seeds on the tray and roast them at the same time.

Cook the quinoa, brown rice, lentil mixture:  Boil the water (or broth), add in the rinsed brown rice, minced red onion and garlic. Simmer covered about 10 minutes. Add in the rinsed lentils, cover and continue to simmer 10 more minutes. bet356 Add in the rinsed quinoa and turmeric powder and simmer until desired texture is reached, about 10-or 15 minutes.

Whip the dressing: Blend the sesame seeds, olive oil, parsley, goji berries, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Toss the salad: In a large bowl, toss half of the squash and quinoa mixture with some of the dressing. Add in all the veggies and nuts, drizzle with a bit more dressing and toss (you may not need all of the vinaigrette nor all all of the quinoa mixture; add based on your preference.)

Serve while warm for the best effect, but room temperature is good as well.

This make a very large salad (feeds 5-10 people). روليت عربي Adjust amounts for your needs.

Fat and Happy Food Blog Tips and Techniques: For ease, premake the squash, quinoa mixture and the dressing up to a few days prior to serving the salad. Simply reheat just before serving. You may not need use up all the vinaigrette and quinoa mixture. Save and add to future dishes.

For more recipes, go to Monique’s blog: FatandHappyBlog.com