Kale Quinoa Salad Recipe
This kale quinoa salad features nutrient-dense ingredients like quinoa, kale, avocado, and a lemony dressing, making it a vibrant, protein-rich dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups kale chopped and de-stemmed
- 1 large avocado diced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese optional
- Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa: by combining it with water in a saucepan.heat until boiling ,then reduce to low heat, cover , and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes fluffy and the water is fully absorbed, Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the kale: Massage chopped kale with a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine quinoa, kale, avocado, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Gently toss the salad with the dressing to coat evenly.
- Serve: Sprinkle with feta cheese, if using, and serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
Quinoa: This protein-rich grain provides a satisfying base for the salad. Substitute with couscous, farro, or bulgur if preferred.
Kale: The heartiness of kale makes it ideal for salads. For a milder taste, try using spinach, arugula, or a mix of greens.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats. Feel free to leave it out if you’re prepping in advance and want the salad to keep longer.
Red Onion: Adds a hint of sharpness and crunch. Swap with green onions or shallots if desired.
Lemon Dressing: Fresh lemon juice provides brightness, while Dijon mustard adds a touch of depth. Try substituting with lime juice or apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
Kale: The heartiness of kale makes it ideal for salads. For a milder taste, try using spinach, arugula, or a mix of greens.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats. Feel free to leave it out if you’re prepping in advance and want the salad to keep longer.
Red Onion: Adds a hint of sharpness and crunch. Swap with green onions or shallots if desired.
Lemon Dressing: Fresh lemon juice provides brightness, while Dijon mustard adds a touch of depth. Try substituting with lime juice or apple cider vinegar as an alternative.