Kale Salad with Red Quinoa, Fennel, and Carrots

Photo: Jeffery Cross; Styling: Jeffrey Larsen
This fresh, satisfying salad makes a welcome break from rich holiday foods.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Cook quinoa according to package instructions, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, very thinly slice carrots on the diagonal and very thinly slice fennel.
Step 2
2
Whisk together oil, sherry vinegar, kosher salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss kale, carrots, and fennel with two-thirds of dressing in a large bowl.
Step 3
3
Transfer cooked drained quinoa to a bowl, stir in remaining dressing, and add to kale mixture.
Step 4
4
Divide salad among 4 dinner plates. Scatter cheese and nuts over salads and drizzle with pomegranate molasses. Sprinkle with flake salt.
Step 5
5
*Find pomegranate molasses at well-stocked grocery stores and at Middle Eastern markets.
Ingredients
2/3 cup red quinoa, rinsed
2 small carrots (preferably mixed colors)
1/2 fennel bulb
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 cups baby kale or mixed greens, larger pieces roughly torn
1/3 cup crumbled fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
Pomegranate molasses* or balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
Flake salt, for finishing