Kale Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe
A vibrant and healthy Kale Quinoa Salad featuring tenderized kale, protein-packed quinoa and chickpeas, crunchy pepitas, sweet golden raisins, and tangy feta cheese, all brought together with a zesty lemon dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for a quick, nutritious meal or a flavorful side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped kale
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for massaging the kale)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup diced cucumber
- 1/3 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1/3 cup golden raisins
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/8 cup fresh chopped dill
- 1/8 cup fresh chopped parsley
Kale Salad Dressing
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the kale: Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water and dry it using a clean towel or salad spinner. Chop the kale with a sharp knife and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Massage and crunch the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes to tenderize it. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften further.
- Assemble the salad: Add the cooled cooked quinoa, chickpeas, diced red onion, diced cucumber, pepitas, golden raisins, crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and parsley to the bowl with the massaged kale. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Dress and serve: Pour the lemon dressing over the salad. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Massaging the kale softens its texture and reduces bitterness, making the salad more enjoyable.
- You can substitute feta cheese with vegan cheese to make this salad vegan-friendly.
- Quinoa can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated to save time when assembling the salad.
- Adjust the lemon dressing ingredients according to your taste preference, adding a touch of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
- For extra crunch, toast the pepitas lightly before adding them to the salad.