Kale Quinoa Salad Recipe
A fresh and nutritious Kale Quinoa Salad combining protein-packed quinoa, vibrant kale, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing. This salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish, featuring a delicious balance of flavors and textures enhanced by optional crunchy croutons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 3 cups chopped kale
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ red onion, tiny diced
- 3 cups diced cucumber
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups croutons (optional)
Dressing
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or agave
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: Prepare the quinoa according to package instructions by boiling it until tender. Once cooked, spread it out or leave it to cool completely to avoid wilting the kale.
- Massage the kale: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl and drizzle with ½ tablespoon olive oil. Massage the kale gently with your hands for about one minute to soften its texture. Let it rest to absorb the oil while you prepare the dressing.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the lemon zest and juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, rice vinegar, water, brown sugar or agave, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well to blend all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Set aside.
- Combine salad ingredients: To the bowl with the massaged kale, add the chickpeas, diced red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and optional chopped parsley. Pour in 5 tablespoons of the dressing and toss well to combine.
- Add quinoa and finish salad: Mix in the cooled quinoa and additional dressing to taste, tossing until evenly coated. Top the salad with optional croutons before serving for added crunch.
Notes
- Ensure quinoa is fully cooled before mixing to keep the kale crisp and prevent wilting.
- Massaging kale helps to soften its fibrous texture and reduce bitterness.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste preference, especially the sweetness and acidity.
- Croutons add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free option.
- For a vegan version, use agave instead of brown sugar if desired.
Keywords: kale quinoa salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, chickpea salad, lemon dressing, easy salad recipe
Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/kale-quinoa-salad-recipe/
