Warm Kale Salad + Maple DIjon Dressing

November 30, 2023

Savor the Season: Warm Kale Salad with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Chicken Sausage, Apples, and Quinoa

In the realm of hearty and wholesome salads, our Warm Kale Salad with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Chicken Sausage, Apples, and Quinoa stands out as a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. This recipe combines the robust earthiness of kale, the caramelized sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts and apples, the savory goodness of chicken sausage, and the nutty undertones of quinoa. It’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients that promises to elevate your salad game.

Eat the Dang Salad- it’s healthy + delicious

Kale – The Nutrient Powerhouse: Kale, the cornerstone of our salad, is a nutritional juggernaut. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron, it’s a leafy green superhero supporting your immune system, bone health, and overall well-being.

Protein-Packed Excellence- The protein content in this salad comes from two sources – quinoa and chicken sausage. Quinoa, a complete protein, provides all essential amino acids, making it a valuable addition to plant-based diets. Paired with lean chicken sausage, the protein punch in this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full and energized.

Brussels Sprouts – Antioxidant Richness: Roasted Brussels sprouts contribute more than just delightful flavor and texture. They are rich in antioxidants, promoting cellular health and aiding your body’s natural defense against oxidative stress.

Apples – Fiber and Natural Sweetness: The addition of red apples not only introduces a burst of sweetness but also brings in dietary fiber. Fiber aids digestion, promotes satiety, and supports a healthy gut.

Ingredients:

2 bunches kale, stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
2 cups quinoa, cooked according to package instructions
2-3 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed, blanched, and halved
4 chicken sausages, sliced
4 red apples, cored and sliced
2 red onions, thinly sliced
Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Maple Dijon Dressing:

6 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the halved Brussels sprouts for 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse them under cold water.

3. On a sheet pan, toss the blanched Brussels sprouts, chicken sausage slices, red apples, and red onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Roast the mixture in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and the sausage is crispy.

5. While the sheet pan is in the oven, massage the torn kale leaves in a large bowl with a bit of olive oil until they become tender.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the Maple Dijon Dressing.

7. Once the roasted ingredients are ready, assemble the salad by placing the massaged kale on a serving platter or individual plates. Top it with the cooked quinoa and the roasted Brussels sprouts, chicken sausage, apples, and red onions.

8. Drizzle the Maple Dijon Dressing over the salad.

9. Serve warm and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust quantities and ingredients based on your preferences.

Why do we massage the kale?

A Ritual of Tenderness Why do we massage kale? It’s not just a culinary whim; it’s a technique that transforms this leafy green into a tender, palatable delight. Massaging kale breaks down its fibrous structure, making it more pleasant to chew and digest. This simple act also contributes to a silkier texture, ensuring each bite of your warm kale salad is a pleasurable experience.

This Warm Kale Salad with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Chicken Sausage, Apples, and Quinoa is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of seasonal goodness on a plate. The blend of textures, colors, and flavors makes it a perfect choice for a comforting yet nutritious meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the taste of the season!

Make this for Meal Prep

Batch Cooking:

Prepare a large batch of this warm kale salad and witness its transformation into a week’s worth of nutritious meals. The careful selection of ingredients ensures the salad maintains its integrity even after a few days in the fridge.

Component Separation:

For optimal meal prep, keep the components separate until you’re ready to savor each meal. This prevents any textural compromise, ensuring the roasted Brussels sprouts maintain their crispiness, the quinoa stays fluffy, and the kale retains its tenderness.

Maple Dijon Dressing – A Fresh Finale:

The Maple Dijon Dressing, with its sweet and tangy notes, serves as the crowning glory. Keep it separate until serving to preserve the freshness of each element.

Nutrition Facts

Meal Prep in 1 Hour

You can use any two of the meals in this series to get your meal prep done in just about and hour, give or take!

Having your breakfast and lunch ready for the week helps you stay on track with your nutriton, saves you time and money! I truly beleive that meal prep does not need to be over complicated, take too much time or be boring!

I always get asked- “do you ever get tired of eating the same thing all week?” and the answer is, no! Not when the food taste good! I give plenty of variety in these preps and keep it simple!

As always, thanks for being here and remember, don’t over complicate the process! Take a deep breath, you got this!

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Edit Column
Part of my Meal Prep in 1 Hour Series- this Asian Citrus Chopped Salad is incredibly delicious and so easy to make! Its tangy, crunchy, light, but filling and customizable! Make this salad along with any other of my Meal Prep in 1 Hour Recipes and you can meal prep two meals in 1 hour!

If meal prep is’nt your thing, this salad is great to bring to any BBQ, get togther, or makes for an easy dinner!

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