Hail to the kale – and quinoa! These two superfoods taste great mixed with other vegetables, nuts, and cheese and then tossed in a simple dressing. This will convert anyone into a kale lover!
Kale Quinoa Salad Essentials
Kale: Choose bunches of kale that are deep green and remove any torn or wilted leaves, as well as the stalks. While I most often use curly kale, you can use other varieties like lacinato kale, baby kale, or Tuscan kale. Quinoa: Cooking quinoa in broth (instead of water) adds extra flavor. Quinoa can be replaced with other grains like brown rice, farro, or barley. Vegetables: Shredded carrots and sliced red onions offer color and crunch and are available year-round. Seasonal veggies like chunks of roasted squash, corn, or beets can be added as well! Other Flavorful Additions: Dried cranberries add sweetness and so will fresh apples or grapes. Feta is a dry cheese that adds a salty flavor while pecans add a nutty crunch.
A Quick Homemade Dressing
This vinaigrette is so easy to make; just put everything into a jar and shake! You can double up because it’s good on salads of all kinds. Lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic add flavor, while vinegar adds a little extra tang. Honey balances the dressing for the perfect bite.
Variations
Bulk up the salad by adding chopped broccoli slaw, shredded Brussels sprouts, or spinach. Add other veggies; almost anything goes. If you’re not freezing this salad, try cherry tomatoes, red pepper, or chopped cucumber. Swap out pecans for pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pepitas, sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds. Cooked chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas are great additions for extra protein. Replace the honey with sugar or maple syrup.
How to Make Kale Quinoa Salad
Storing Kale Quinoa Salad
Keep kale quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir in fresh nuts, cheese, or dressing, if desired. Believe it or not, you CAN freeze this kale quinoa salad recipe if it is made with the ingredients listed below. Once thawed, it tastes just as good as the day it was made.
Did you enjoy this Kale Quinoa Salad? Leave us a rating and a comment below. Simply add a drop or two of oil and rub the kale with your hands. It will turn a darker green and the leaves will soften. © SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
