Kale Quinoa Salad
A light, refreshing salad packed with nutrients, featuring quinoa, kale, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa A rich source of complete protein.
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth Enhances the flavor of the quinoa.
- 2 cups kale, chopped Nutrient-dense leafy green.
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional) Adds creamy tang; omit for dairy-free.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- While cooking, combine chopped kale, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion in a large bowl.
- If using feta cheese, add it to the bowl now.
Making the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve
- Once quinoa is cooked and cooled slightly, fluff with a fork and add to the vegetable bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Allow the salad to sit for a bit for flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
For a different texture, substitute quinoa with couscous, brown rice, or millet. Feel free to add cooked protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra sustenance.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 200mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g
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