Quinoa Kale Salad

Name: Quinoa Kale Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups water; 4 cups fresh kale, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)

Published: July 6, 2025

by Lionel Ramon

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Quinoa Kale Salad is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
The combination of flavors creates a deliciously satisfying dish that’s visually stunning on any table
Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand while packing a nutritious punch
Perfect as a side or main dish, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again

I served this Quinoa Kale Salad at my last family reunion, and let’s just say the empty bowl was proof of its success. For more inspiration, check out this Cucumber Caprese Salad recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Quinoa: Look for organic quinoa; it’s nutty and provides great texture while being gluten-free.
Kale: Choose fresh, vibrant kale leaves; they should be crisp and free from browning or wilting.
Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes; their sweetness balances the salad beautifully.
Cucumber: A refreshing addition—pick firm cucumbers for crunch without excessive seeds. For more inspiration, check out this Marinated Cucumbers recipe.
Red Onion: Thinly slice for a mild bite; soaking in water reduces sharpness if desired.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates flavors; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth; it’s worth the splurge.
Salt and Pepper: Always use freshly ground salt and pepper to enhance every flavor in your salad.
Feta Cheese (optional): Crumbled feta adds creaminess; use goat cheese if you prefer a tangy twist.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Rinse the Quinoa: Start by rinsing one cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This removes bitterness and ensures a pleasant flavor.

Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with two cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat before reducing to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.

Prepare the Veggies: While the quinoa cooks, chop your kale into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add diced cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if using.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste—it should burst with flavor!

Toss It All Together: Once your quinoa has cooled slightly (nobody likes hot salad), fluff it with a fork before adding it to the veggie mix. Pour over your dressing and toss well to combine everything evenly.

Serve & Enjoy!: Let your salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before diving in. Serve chilled or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way!

This Quinoa Kale Salad is simple yet bursting with flavor—a healthy dish that doesn’t skimp on taste! Whether you’re looking for meal prep ideas or something fresh for dinner parties, this recipe will not disappoint. Now go ahead; grab those ingredients and treat yourself!

You Must Know

Quinoa Kale Salad is not just healthy; it’s a vibrant, crunchy delight
The blend of textures and flavors makes it a showstopper at any gathering
Plus, it’s an ideal meal prep option for busy weeks ahead

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness, then cook it in vegetable broth for added flavor. While the quinoa simmers, massage your kale with olive oil for tenderness. This efficient sequence ensures everything is perfectly cooked and seasoned.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap quinoa for farro or add roasted chickpeas for extra crunch. Toss in fruits like apples or berries to enhance sweetness and vibrancy. The fun of a salad lies in making it truly yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If reheating, warm quinoa separately to maintain texture, keeping greens fresh and crisp. nutritious green smoothie

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always rinse quinoa before cooking to eliminate any bitterness
Consider adding nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch
Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile significantly and brighten your salad’s personality

Cooking this salad always reminds me of a summer barbecue where everyone raved about it. They couldn’t believe something so green could taste so good!

FAQ

What can I substitute for kale in this recipe?

Spinach or arugula works well if you prefer a milder taste.

How do I make this salad vegan-friendly?

This Quinoa Kale Salad is naturally vegan; just avoid adding cheese.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge and flavors meld beautifully overnight.

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