Kale Quinoa Salad – With Lemon Dressing
A vibrant and nourishing salad featuring fresh kale, hearty quinoa, and a zesty lemon dressing, complemented by chickpeas and golden raisins.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 300kcal
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped kale vibrant and fresh
- 1 teaspoon olive oil for massaging the kale
- 1 cup cooked quinoa cooled to retain texture
- 1 cup canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup diced red onion adds a zesty crunch
- 1/3 cup diced cucumber cool and refreshing
- 1/3 cup pepitas for earthy, nutty flavor
- 1/3 cup golden raisins offering sweetness
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese for creaminess and a tangy kick
- 1/8 cup fresh chopped dill for fragrant herb notes
- 1/8 cup fresh chopped parsley for vibrant color
Salad Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice bright and lively
- 1/4 cup olive oil for richness
- to taste salt and pepper to enhance flavors
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water and dry it completely.
- Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and transfer it into a large bowl.
- Drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over the chopped kale, sprinkle with salt, and massage the kale for about 1-2 minutes until tender.
- Let the massaged kale sit for 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, pepitas, golden raisins, feta cheese, dill, and parsley into the bowl with the kale.
Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until fully combined.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge.
Notes
For extra flavor, toast the pepitas in a dry pan. Add lemon zest for a more intense flavor. Swap quinoa with other grains like farro or bulgur for variety.