Zesty Quinoa Kale Salad (Printable Version)
Bright quinoa and kale mix with fresh veggies and zesty citrus dressing for a fresh, wholesome dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
→ Vegetables
03 - 4 cups kale, stems removed, finely chopped
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
→ Herbs & Add-ins
08 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
09 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
10 - 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
→ Dressing
11 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
13 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
15 - 1 garlic clove, minced
16 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
18 - Zest of 1 lemon
# How To Make:
01 - Combine quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool completely.
02 - Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes until leaves become tender and darken in color.
03 - Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded carrots, parsley, feta cheese (if using), and toasted sunflower seeds to the massaged kale.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest until fully emulsified and creamy.
05 - Add cooled quinoa to the vegetable bowl. Pour dressing over the entire mixture and toss thoroughly with salad tongs or a large spoon until evenly coated.
06 - Taste salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The kale massage trick changes everything, trust me on this one
- Makes enough for lunch all week when you are tired of cooking
02 -
- Letting quinoa cool completely prevents kale from wilting when mixed
- The salad actually tastes better after sitting for an hour
03 -
- Toast sunflower seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, just 2 to 3 minutes
- Double the dressing and use it throughout the week on other salads