Packed with nutrients and bursting with vibrant flavors, the Quinoa and Kale Superfood Salad is the ultimate choice for a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. The star ingredients – quinoa and kale – are paired with colorful veggies, crunchy nuts, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. This salad is a powerhouse of vitamins, fiber, and protein, making it perfect as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a side dish for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Salad:
- Nutrient-packed: Loaded with superfoods like kale, quinoa, and nuts for optimal health benefits.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, protein, or nuts to make it your own.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 3 cups fresh kale, chopped (stems removed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted almonds or walnuts, chopped
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make Quinoa Kale Superfood salad
Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa
Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad.
Step 2: Massage the Kale
Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it becomes tender and slightly wilted.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Add the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and nuts to the kale. Toss gently to combine.
Step 4: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Dress and Serve
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Tips for Success:
- Cool the quinoa: Ensure it’s slightly cool before adding it to the salad to prevent wilting the veggies.
- Massage the kale: This step is crucial to remove bitterness and enhance texture.
- Make it your own: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a standalone meal for lunch or dinner.
- Pair with roasted salmon or grilled chicken for a heartier dish.
Alternative Variations:
- Swap kale for spinach or arugula.
- Use sunflower seeds or pecans instead of almonds.
- Replace feta with goat cheese or omit it entirely for a dairy-free option.
Quinoa Kale superfood salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 3 cups fresh kale, chopped (stems removed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cip cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup roasted almonds or walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad.1 cup cooked quinoa
- Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it becomes tender and slightly wilted.3 cups fresh kale, chopped (stems removed), 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 Salt and pepper to taste
- Add the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and nuts to the kale. Toss gently to combine.1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced, 1/4 cup roasted almonds or walnuts, chopped
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
