Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing

Kale quinoa salad is a vibrant dish that combines nutritious greens, hearty quinoa, and protein-packed chickpeas, all dressed in a zesty lemon dressing. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you need a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a colorful addition to your picnic spread. Packed with flavor and texture, this kale quinoa salad is not only gluten-free and vegetarian but also incredibly satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-Dense: This salad is loaded with vitamins and minerals from fresh veggies and greens.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or your favorite toppings!
• Flavorful Dressing: The zesty lemon dressing brings all the ingredients together for a refreshing taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for making ahead; it stays fresh in the fridge for days!

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect kale quinoa salad, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some essentials you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp kitchen knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Salad spinner (optional)
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp kitchen knife: Essential for chopping kale and vegetables efficiently.
• Large mixing bowl: Allows ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Salad spinner: Helps wash and dry kale quickly, saving time during prep.

Ingredients

Kale quinoa salad is loaded with fresh veggies, quinoa, and chickpeas tossed with an amazing lemon dressing! Gluten-free and vegetarian.

For the Salad

• 6 cups of chopped kale
• 1 teaspoon olive oil – for massaging the kale
• 1 cup cooked quinoa – cooled
• 1 cup canned chickpeas – drained and rinsed
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1/3 cup diced cucumber
• 1/3 cup pepitas
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/8 cup fresh chopped dill
• 1/8 cup fresh chopped parsley

For the Dressing

• Kale salad dressing (recipe included in instructions)

How to Make Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Kale

• Rinse the kale well under cold water. Then place it onto a clean towel to dry. You can also use a salad spinner if you have one.
• Use a sharp kitchen knife to chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and place it into a large bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Massage the kale gently using your hands for about 1-2 minutes until tenderized.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes before adding other ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

• Add the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, pepitas, golden raisins, feta cheese, dill, and parsley to the bowl with the massaged kale.

Step 3: Dress and Serve

• Mix up your chosen kale salad dressing in a separate bowl. Pour it over the salad mixture.
• Toss everything together thoroughly until well combined. Serve immediately or chill before serving if desired. Enjoy your delicious Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing!

How to Serve Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing

This Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing is versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main dish or a side, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

As a Main Course

• Serve it in a large bowl for a beautiful presentation. This salad is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair the salad with grilled chicken breast for added protein. The lemon dressing complements the chicken beautifully.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the kale quinoa salad on a bed of mixed greens for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

In a Wrap

• Use the salad as filling for whole-grain wraps. This makes for an easy and nutritious lunch option that’s portable.

As a Picnic Delight

• Pack it in containers for picnics or potlucks. This salad stays fresh and tasty even after several hours.

Topped with Nuts

• Add toasted almonds or walnuts on top for an extra crunch. They also provide healthy fats that enhance the overall nutrition of the dish.

How to Perfect Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing

To make your Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing even better, consider these helpful tips that ensure freshness and flavor.

• Massage the Kale: Massaging the kale with olive oil softens its texture, making it more palatable and easier to digest.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs elevate the taste. Always opt for seasonal produce if possible.
• Cool Quinoa: Make sure your quinoa is completely cooled before adding it to the salad to prevent wilting the kale.
• Adjust Dressing to Taste: Feel free to tweak the lemon dressing by adding more lemon juice or olive oil according to your preference.
• Mix Before Serving: Toss all ingredients together right before serving. This keeps everything crisp and vibrant.
• Store Separately: If making ahead, store the dressing separately until ready to serve. This prevents sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing

Pairing side dishes with your Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing can enhance your meal’s enjoyment. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus can be grilled and served alongside for added flavor.
2. Hummus Platter: A selection of hummus with pita bread and assorted veggies offers a creamy complement to your salad.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These add sweetness and are an excellent source of fiber; simply roast them with olive oil and spices.
4. Cucumber Yogurt Dip: A refreshing dip made with yogurt, cucumbers, and herbs pairs well with the salad’s flavors.
5. Quinoa Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed peppers filled with quinoa and spices echo the main ingredient in your salad while adding more variety.
6. Chickpea Fritters: These crispy fritters are packed with protein and can provide a delightful contrast in texture when served with the salad.
7. Avocado Toast: Slices of whole-grain bread topped with mashed avocado can serve as a satisfying accompaniment.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness that balances out the savory elements of your meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing a kale quinoa salad. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Massage: Not massaging the kale can result in a tough texture. Take time to massage it with olive oil and salt for 1-2 minutes to tenderize the leaves.
• Using Warm Quinoa: Adding warm quinoa can wilt the kale. Always let your quinoa cool before mixing it into the salad for optimal freshness.
• Overdressing the Salad: Pouring too much dressing can drown out the flavors. Start with a little, toss, and add more if needed to keep it balanced.
• Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Don’t skip them; they add brightness and freshness to your kale quinoa salad.
• Forgetting About Texture: A good salad has varying textures. Incorporate crunchy elements like pepitas or cucumbers along with soft ingredients like chickpeas for a satisfying bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing

• Not recommended for freezing as it may change texture.
• If you must freeze, omit fresh herbs and dressing before freezing.

Reheating Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about kale quinoa salad that may help you prepare this dish perfectly.

What is Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing?

Kale quinoa salad is a nutritious dish combining chopped kale, cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables tossed with a zesty lemon dressing.

How do I make the dressing for Kale Quinoa Salad?

The dressing typically includes olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients together until well combined before adding them to your salad.

Can I add other vegetables to my Kale Quinoa Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding bell peppers, carrots, or any seasonal vegetables you enjoy.

Is Kale Quinoa Salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with vitamins from kale, protein from quinoa and chickpeas, making it a healthy choice rich in nutrients.

Final Thoughts

This Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or nuts to suit your taste. Try it today for a refreshing meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

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Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves about 4

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Description

Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together hearty quinoa, protein-rich chickpeas, and fresh kale, all elevated by a zesty lemon dressing. This salad is not only gluten-free and vegetarian but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for a quick lunch, side dish at dinner, or a colorful addition to your picnic spread. Packed with flavor and texture, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare this nutrient-dense salad that can be customized with your favorite seasonal vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups chopped kale
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
• 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1/3 cup diced cucumber
• 1/3 cup pepitas
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/8 cup fresh chopped dill
• 1/8 cup fresh chopped parsley
• Zesty lemon dressing

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Instructions

1. Rinse the kale under cold water, then dry it and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Massage the kale with olive oil and a pinch of salt for about 2 minutes until tenderized.
3. In a large bowl, combine massaged kale with cooked quinoa, chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, pepitas, golden raisins, dill, and parsley.
4. Prepare the lemon dressing separately and pour over the salad mixture.
5. Toss to combine thoroughly and serve immediately or chill before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg