13 Steps for Quinoa Salad With Kale – Authentic Recipe

s the world leans into a more health-conscious era, my kitchen has become a sanctuary for experimenting with ingredients that are both nutritious and vibrant. Quinoa Salad with Kale is a dish that embodies this spirit of wholesome indulgence. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors that not only satiate the appetite but also contribute to a well-balanced lifestyle.

The inspiration to create this salad comes from a yearning for meals that are as energizing as they are delicious. Quinoa, with its subtle nutty essence and complete protein profile, forms the perfect base for this culinary creation. Kale, a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, adds a hearty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the quinoa.

This recipe is born out of a desire to embrace the bounty of nature’s offerings. It’s for those days when the body craves something light yet sustaining, or when the mind seeks clarity through clean eating. The act of massaging the kale, fluffing the quinoa, and artfully tossing them with a rainbow of fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing is a ritual that nourishes both the maker and the eater.

Quinoa Salad with Kale is more than just a dish; it’s a testament to the joy found in eating foods that are as good for the body as they are for the soul. Whether you’re looking to refresh your meal routine or simply want to enjoy a burst of natural flavors, this salad is a delightful choice that promises satisfaction in every forkful.

Quinoa Salad With Kale Recipe

Quinoa Salad with Kale is a vibrant and healthful dish that has gained popularity for its nutritional benefits and flavorful profile. The salad typically combines cooked quinoa, a grain that is lauded for its high protein content and essential amino acids, with kale, a leafy green known for its rich vitamin and mineral content. Together, these ingredients form a nutrient-dense base.

To this base, a variety of colorful vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits can be added, providing an array of textures and flavors. Common additions include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries. These ingredients not only contribute to the visual appeal of the dish but also add crunch and sweetness.

The salad is often dressed with a zesty vinaigrette, which might include ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, and honey. This dressing complements the earthiness of the kale and the subtle nuttiness of the quinoa, while also helping to soften the kale’s texture.

Quinoa Salad with Kale can be customized to personal taste or dietary needs, making it a versatile option for meal prepping or as a side dish. It’s a celebration of whole foods and is often enjoyed by those seeking a fulfilling meal that supports a healthy lifestyle. The dish embodies a balance of taste and nutrition, making it a delightful choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal.

Quinoa Salad With Kale

Quinoa salad has antioxidant powers. This is an excellent way to incorporate all the colors of your vegetables, like the purple cabbage, green kale, and red with mini-tomatoes, orange with the carrots and yellow with the mango. If you like it to be more powerful, you can add tofu!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Colombia

Servings 4 people

Calories 359 kcal

Equipment

• 1 bowl 

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup quinoa
• ¼ purple cabbages
• 1 Deck of kale aproximately7 leaves
• 1 carrot
• 1 Mango
• ½ box mini tomatoes
• VINAIGRETTTE
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoon tahini paste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 Lemon

Instructions

 

• SEPARATE kale leaves from the stem. Chop finely. It is important to discard the stem as its texture is not very pleasant to the taste. Wash thoroughly.
• USE the mandolin to grate the purple cabbage, so it is finely grated.
• GRATE carrot. Use the fine side of the grater or cut julienne style.
• COOK quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
• MIX kale, purple cabbage, quinoa and carrot.
• VINAIGRETTE
• MIX in a bowl these ingredients: tahini paste, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, turmeric, cumin, salt and lemon.
• WHISK all ingredients until well incorporated. It is best to add the olive oil at the end, and keep whisking it.
• Tips For Quinoa Salad With Kale, Purple Cabbage And Mango.
• You can add some almonds or sesame on top as garnish.
• If you want his to be a main dish, you can add grilled breast of chicken.
• PREPARE a boneless, skinless breast of chicken with salt, pepper and ginger.
• GRILLED the chicken breast and cut in ½ inch pieces.

Video

Keyword Kale, quinoa

Cooking Tips

Creating Quinoa Salad with Kale is a joyful ode to health and flavor. Begin by rinsing quinoa thoroughly to remove bitterness, then cook until it’s fluffy and tender, a perfect canvas for the other ingredients. Massaging the kale with a bit of olive oil softens its texture, making it more palatable and inviting in the salad.

For a burst of flavor, I love adding a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the dish. Don’t shy away from mixing in a variety of colorful veggies for visual appeal and nutritional value. Lastly, let the salad rest before serving; this allows the flavors to marry beautifully, creating a more cohesive and delicious experience.

 Serving suggestions

Serving Quinoa Salad with Kale is a celebration of health and flavor on a plate. I take pleasure in the vibrant array of colors as I arrange this dish, each ingredient standing out yet perfectly complementing the others. A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese can add a creamy tang that beautifully contrasts with the earthy kale and nutty quinoa.

For added crunch and visual appeal, a scattering of toasted nuts or seeds lends a satisfying texture. A final drizzle of homemade dressing just before serving ensures that every bite is infused with zest and zing.

This salad is more than a side dish; it’s a statement of mindful eating and an invitation to enjoy the fresh, wholesome goodness of nature’s produce. It’s a dish that not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body and uplifts the spirit.

Top 5 FAQs about Quinoa Salad With Kale

• How do you properly cook quinoa for a salad? To prepare quinoa for a salad, it should be rinsed thoroughly under cold water to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. After rinsing, quinoa is typically cooked in a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water. It is brought to a boil, then reduced to a simmer, covered, and left to cook until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy, usually around 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, it’s often recommended to let the quinoa cool before adding it to the salad to maintain texture and prevent wilting of greens like kale.
• What are some good dressings to use in a quinoa salad with kale? A variety of dressings can complement a quinoa salad with kale, ranging from citrus vinaigrettes to creamy tahini-based dressings. The choice of dressing can depend on personal preference and dietary restrictions. For a light, refreshing taste, a lemon or lime vinaigrette with olive oil, salt, and pepper can be ideal. For a more savory profile, a balsamic vinaigrette or an apple cider vinegar dressing with mustard could be used.
• Can you make quinoa salad with kale ahead of time? Quinoa salad with kale can be made ahead of time, which allows the flavors to meld together. However, to maintain the best texture, particularly of the kale, it might be advisable to store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving. The quinoa and other non-leafy ingredients can be mixed together and refrigerated, while the kale should be kept fresh and added when ready to serve.
• What variations can you add to quinoa salad with kale to enhance its flavor? There are countless variations that can be added to quinoa salad with kale to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Additions can include vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, roasted vegetables; fruits such as apples, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries; nuts and seeds for crunch; cheese like feta or goat cheese for a creamy element; or legumes and additional proteins like chickpeas, black beans, or grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
• What are the health benefits of eating quinoa salad with kale? Eating a quinoa salad with kale brings a multitude of health benefits due to the nutrient-dense profiles of both main ingredients. Quinoa provides a source of complete protein, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and iron. Kale contributes significantly with high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants, and fiber. This combination supports muscle health, immune function, bone health, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management.