Kale Quinoa Salad

Yes I have turned into that mom, the mom that hides things in foods so my kids get something with nutrients.  This morning I made steel cut oatmeal and added a spoon of pumpkin.  Both my boys looked at the orange color and pushed it away. I finally got them to try it and they did like it (or at least ate most of it).  Salads are a struggle, they eat iceberg lettuce with out any other add in's, smothered in ranch.   The iceberg salad is a good stand by, but I really am looking for more in a salad these days, especially as I am changing how my family eats.  We are trying to go gluten free and my daughter feeling we should eat less meat.  This brought on 3 vegetarian days a week.  When my boys only eat white foods i.e. chicken nuggets, fries, white bread, cheese, and pizza, not really the diet I am aiming for,it makes dinner planning a challenge.  Here's one that is gluten free and vegetarian.

This salad has kale which is great for boosting you immunity with a large amount of vitamin K, A, and C.  It does have a bitter flavor so I was not sure I would like this salad, but I was wrong.  My kids eat it too.  Because it is very dark green, it packs more nutrients.

Kale chopped small,
Quinoa 1/4cup +/-
Seeds, I like Pumpkin
Dried cherries, or  craisens.
hazelnuts or almonds.
Balsamic vinaigrette:
2oz Balsamic vinegar
4oz Olive oil
1tsp sugar
Salt and pepper
1/4 tsp onion powder


Mix thoroughly and top with goat cheese and butternut squash. New seasons has squash frozen in cubes,it makes it easy to add to this salad.

Quinoa can be prepared just like rice.  I add it in my rice cooker 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water.  I like to replace half the water with vegetable broth.

I am linked at http://tessadomesticdiva.blogspot.com/2012/03/allergy-free-wednesdays-7.html