Kale and Quinoa Salad is a powerhouse of nutrition, blending the earthy richness of kale with the protein-packed goodness of quinoa. This wholesome dish not only caters to the taste buds but also provides a range of essential nutrients for a well-rounded meal.
1. Kale and Quinoa Duo:
The combination of kale and quinoa creates a dynamic duo, offering a mix of textures and flavors. Kale brings a robust, slightly bitter taste, while quinoa contributes a nutty and satisfying chewiness. Together, they form a base that serves as a canvas for a variety of delicious ingredients.
2. Nutrient-Rich Goodness:
One of the standout features of Kale and Quinoa Salad is its impressive nutritional profile. Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Quinoa, being a complete protein, adds essential amino acids, making this salad a nourishing choice for those looking to incorporate more nutrients into their diet.
3. Versatile Additions:
Customize your Kale and Quinoa Salad by incorporating a range of fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocados for a burst of color and additional vitamins. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can enhance the overall flavor profile.
4. Protein Boost:
For those seeking an extra protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese to your Kale and Quinoa Salad. These additions not only elevate the protein content but also contribute to a more satisfying and filling meal.
5. Zesty Dressings:
Choosing the right dressing is key to tying together the flavors of Kale and Quinoa Salad. A lemon vinaigrette or a balsamic glaze can add a zesty kick, enhancing the overall taste without overshadowing the natural goodness of the ingredients.
6. Meal Prep Friendly: Kale and Quinoa Salad is an excellent option for meal prepping. Both kale and quinoa retain their texture and flavor even after being dressed, making it a convenient and healthy choice for busy individuals. Prepare a batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
7. Texture Play:
To add a delightful crunch, consider tossing in toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds. This not only enhances the texture but also contributes additional nutrients and a satisfying element to each bite.
In conclusion, Kale and Quinoa Salad is a versatile and nutrient-packed dish that caters to both health-conscious individuals and those with discerning palates. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a hearty main course, this salad offers a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.
Kale and Quinoa Salad Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Kale and Quinoa Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Additional Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients For Kale and Quinoa Salad Recipes
2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
10 leaves kale, cut into small pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon ground sea salt
1 cup pecans
1 cup currants
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions: Kale and Quinoa Salad Recipes
Step 1: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir quinoa into the boiling water, reduce heat to medium-low, place cover on the saucepan, and cook until water absorbs into the quinoa, about 12 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Remove cover and allow quinoa to cool completely.
Step 2: Put kale in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, pepper, and salt together in a bowl until oil emulsifies into the mixture; drizzle over kale. Add cooled quinoa, pecans, currants, and feta cheese to the dressed kale and toss to incorporate.
Very good! Also very time consuming, but there’s enough there for several meals. I read some massaged the kale, never heard of that before, but I did put it in my food processor and it worked great, made it glossy and lovely. I just used corn syrup, as that’s all I had, and honey mustard sauce instead of just mustard. I also didn’t have feta or currants, and I didn’t add any water or oil to the dressing, it’s good without it. I roasted my pecans for extra flavour. Thanks for the recipe!
Lord I hate reviewers who immediately go into their list of substitutions, but here I go. I don't care for feta, so I use goat cheese and I can't always find currants, but raisins work fine. That said, I've been making this for years and taking it to gatherings and it's always a hit. You can put it all into a gallon ziplock to both mix and transport. On rare occasions, I've thrown in some shredded chicken to make a complete meal.
Really great hearty salad. Flavors work together well, but I feel like the dressing needs something a little sweet as well. Might try to add some maple syrup next time I make it!
Can use dried cranberries instead of currents
What kind of barbarian doesn’t massage their kale?!?!! Kidding- but seriously, massage the kale with the dressing. I also go heavy on the dressing (not quite double, but I tend to overflow my measuring spoons). I also swap in goat cheese for feta when I’m feeling a lil crazy- but only about 1/3 cup (a little crumbled goat cheese goes a long way). Nutritious n delicious!
Tasty and virtuous. I’ll make it again but will make 50% more dressing next time. I find it a bit dry. Definitely massage the kale with the dressing and let it sit while the quinoa cools.
YUM!!!! I massaged the kale, that was the only change.
Best salad! I adjusted the recipe for two since it was just me eating it. I used almonds, massaged the kale, ate the whole thing! I’ll be making it again.
Preferred cranberries to currants. Also needed to add some balsamic vinegar to enhance taste. If kale leaves are big only need half. Also needs more dressing.
Rinse quinoa thoroughly, then cook it following package instructions. Fluff with a fork to achieve a light, fluffy texture for your Kale and Quinoa Salad.
✅Q: Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
While quinoa provides a unique texture, you can experiment with other grains like farro or bulgur to customize your Kale and Quinoa Salad to suit your preferences.
✅Q: What dressing complements the kale and quinoa combination?
A basic vinaigrette with a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard is an excellent choice, enhancing the flavors of kale and quinoa in your salad.
✅Q: Can I make Kale and Quinoa Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is ideal for meal prep. Make a batch, store it in the refrigerator, and enjoy the freshness throughout the week.
✅Q: How can I add a touch of sweetness to the salad?
Incorporate currants or dried cranberries to add a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors in your Kale and Quinoa Salad.
✅Q: What protein options work well with this salad?
Boost protein content by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese, creating a more satisfying and filling Kale and Quinoa Salad.
✅Q: Are there variations for this salad recipe?
Certainly! Customize your salad with additional veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocados to create diverse textures and flavors in your Kale and Quinoa Salad.
✅Q: Can I make a vegan version of Kale and Quinoa Salad?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to create a delicious vegan-friendly version of this nutritious salad.
