Looking for a delicious way to boost your health? Our Healthy Kale Salad with Quinoa is not just a salad; it's a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling energized! With its colorful ingredients and zesty dressing, this salad is the perfect blend of flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just 35 minutes! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful recipe that’s as good for your body as it is for your palate!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, wash and remove the tough stems from the kale. Chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes, fluffing with a fork occasionally.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped kale, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, or chill for 30 minutes for a refreshing cold salad.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating, ensuring a pleasant taste in your salad.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: For fluffy quinoa, use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer covered until all the water is absorbed.
- Kale Prep: Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. This makes the salad easier to eat and ensures a better texture.
- Chill for Flavor: For a refreshing twist, chill the salad for 30 minutes after mixing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like nuts, seeds, or additional veggies to personalize the salad to your taste!
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal, or enjoy it on its own for a light and healthy option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
