Kale and Quinoa Salad with Sweet + Spicy Pepitas

SALAD INGREDIENTS

Curly kale, chopped

Carrots, thinly sliced into match sticks

Cooked quinoa

Sweet + spicy pepitas (recipe below)

My go-to salad dressing (you can also simply dress it in lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper)

Golden raisins or dried cranberries

SWEET + SPICY PEPITAS INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds/pepitas

1/2 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon maple syrup

Heaping 1/4 teaspoon or more smoked paprika

Cayenne pepper or chili flakes (as much as you want)

Sea salt

METHOD

1. Make the sweet and spicy pepitas. Place pepitas in a pan and toast over medium heat until slightly golden and you hear some popping.Lower the heat and then add the olive oil, maple syrup, paprika, cayenne (if using), and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Turn off the heat and allow to cool.

2. Prepare salad dressing in a bowl or mason jar. Taste and adjust for seasoning.

3. Place kale in a large bowl and add a spoonful or two of the dressing over the kale. Use your hands to massage the dressing into the kale.

4. Add the raisins/cranberries into some of the dressing. Marinade for at least 5 minutes (optional).

5. Add carrots and quinoa to the kale.

6. Top with raisins/cranberries, remaining dressing, and pepitas. Toss well. Taste and adjust. Enjoy!