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Quinoa and Kale Salad recipe

Quinoa and Kale Salad: A Nutritious Delight for All Dietary Needs


  • Author: Lauren Bennett
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

  • Quinoa and Kale Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish combining fluffy quinoa, fresh kale, and a variety of vegetables with a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or side dish, this salad is gluten-free, vegan, and highly customizable for various dietary needs.

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
  • 2 cups kale (chopped, stems removed)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
  • 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for non-vegan)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (for dressing)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (for dressing)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for dressing)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

    1. Cook the Quinoa:
      Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. Combine quinoa with 2 cups of water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.

    2. Prepare the Kale:
      Wash and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale with a bit of olive oil for 2 minutes to soften it.

    3. Chop the Vegetables:
      Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.

    4. Make the Dressing:
      In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

    5. Assemble the Salad:
      In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, massaged kale, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

    6. Optional Toppings:
      Add crumbled feta cheese if desired. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

    7. Serve:
      Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days. For meal prep, store the dressing separately and add before serving.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of the total recipe)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg (omit feta to keep it cholesterol-free)

Keywords: Quinoa, Kale, Vegan Salad, Gluten-Free, Quinoa Salad, Healthy Salad, Quick Salad Recipe, Meal Prep Salad, Vegan Meal