Description

This Easy Kale Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing is a vibrant, nutritious dish combining tender kale, fluffy quinoa, and fresh vegetables dressed in a zesty lemon dressing. Quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, it is perfect as a light meal or side dish to brighten your day with healthy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

1 cup fresh tender kale, washed, chopped, and stems removed
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon Dressing

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 teaspoon maple syrup (natural)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Prepare the quinoa: Rinse about one cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any natural bitterness, then cook it in two cups of water until fluffy and tender, approximately 15 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and allow it to cool while you prep the other ingredients.
Massage the kale: Wash and chop the kale leaves, discarding tough stems. Place the chopped kale in a large bowl and gently massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness, making the texture pleasantly tender for the salad.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Optionally, mix in a small amount of natural gelling agent to create a luscious dressing texture.
Combine all ingredients: Add the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes halved, cucumber diced, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl with massaged kale. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Rest and serve: Let the salad rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Give a final gentle toss before serving.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor in the dressing.
Massaging softens the kale, making it easier to digest and more enjoyable to eat.
Rinse quinoa before cooking to enhance its natural flavor and remove any bitterness.
Let the salad sit after tossing so the lemon dressing can soak into the greens and quinoa.
Taste and adjust seasoning after combining ingredients for perfect balance.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: kale salad, quinoa salad, lemon dressing, healthy salad, plant-based, gluten free, vegan salad