Description
Easy Kale Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing is a nutritious, flavorful, and simple salad featuring hearty kale, fluffy quinoa, and crisp vegetables. Tossed in a bright lemon dressing and finished with crunchy sunflower seeds, this versatile dish is perfect for a wholesome lunch or a satisfying side.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
Lemon Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (natural)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
- Massage the kale: Place chopped kale in a large bowl and gently massage with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes until it softens and becomes less bitter. This step creates a tender base for your salad.
- Mix the dressing: Whisk together fresh natural lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper until emulsified. This zesty dressing will brighten all the ingredients.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley to the massaged kale. Pour the dressing over and toss everything gently to coat evenly.
- Add sunflower seeds and serve: Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for crunch and a nutty flavor. Serve immediately or chilled for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Massage the kale thoroughly to break down fibers for a softer texture.
- Cook quinoa with vegetable broth to add savory depth.
- Let the salad rest chilled for 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding.
- Lightly toast sunflower seeds to bring out their nutty aroma.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Kale, Quinoa, Salad, Lemon Dressing, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Healthy, Easy, Nutritious, Side Dish, Lunch
