Best 8 Quinoa And Kale Salad Recipes

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Quinoa and kale salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it's also very versatile. You can add your favorite vegetables, fruits, and nuts to create a salad that's perfect for your taste. This article provides three delicious recipes for quinoa and kale salad, each with its own unique flavor profile. The first recipe is a classic quinoa and kale salad with a tangy lemon-tahini dressing. The second recipe is a more hearty salad with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans. And the third recipe is a refreshing salad with watermelon and feta cheese. No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

KALE AND QUINOA SALAD



Kale and Quinoa Salad image

Delicious and nutritious! This salad is sure to please the crowd! And with so many options to mix and match to your tastes, you can't go wrong. You can play with the kale-to-quinoa ratio to make this your own. Use alternative nuts and dried fruit to customize to your own taste buds.

Provided by Kicius

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Kale Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa
10 leaves kale, cut into small pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon ground sea salt
1 cup pecans
1 cup currants
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir quinoa into the boiling water, reduce heat to medium-low, place cover on the saucepan, and cook until water absorbs into the quinoa, about 12 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Remove cover and allow quinoa to cool completely.
  • Put kale in a large mixing bowl.
  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, pepper, and salt together in a bowl until oil emulsifies into the mixture; drizzle over kale. Add cooled quinoa, pecans, currants, and feta cheese to the dressed kale and toss to incorporate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 439.3 calories, Carbohydrate 43.9 g, Cholesterol 16.7 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 10.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 397.3 mg, Sugar 17.8 g

KALE, QUINOA, AND AVOCADO SALAD WITH LEMON DIJON VINAIGRETTE



Kale, Quinoa, and Avocado Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette image

Steaming the kale removes some of the bitterness. The salad dressing ties all the flavors together. A quartet of super foods (kale, quinoa, avocado, and olive oil) make this a healthy meal!

Provided by Stephanie Ford

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

⅔ cup quinoa
1 ⅓ cups water
1 bunch kale, torn into bite-sized pieces
½ avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
½ cup chopped cucumber
⅓ cup chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
¾ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring the quinoa and 1 1/3 cup water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender, and the water has been absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Place kale in a steamer basket over 1 inch of boiling water in a saucepan. Cover saucepan with a lid and steam kale until hot, about 45 seconds; transfer to a large plate. Top kale with quinoa, avocado, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and feta cheese.
  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper together in a bowl until the oil emulsifies into the dressing; pour over the salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342.5 calories, Carbohydrate 35.4 g, Cholesterol 2.1 mg, Fat 20.3 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 552.1 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

KALE AND QUINOA SALAD WITH TOFU AND MISO



Kale and Quinoa Salad With Tofu and Miso image

A hearty base of kale, quinoa and crisp tofu give this easy salad enough bite to serve as a meal. Curly kale provides heft and holds up nicely to the sweet, sour and spicy dressing. Use your hands to massage the vinaigrette into the kale, and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to tenderize the sturdy greens. Finish the dish with a drizzle of sriracha and honey, but use a light touch: The point is to balance the heat and sweetness levels without overwhelming the delicate miso vinaigrette. If you like, double the dressing and refrigerate it for future use; it makes a fantastic dip for grilled chicken or pork, or a glaze to brush on salmon before broiling.

Provided by Corinne Trang

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, quick, weeknight, salads and dressings, vegetables, main course

Time 30m

Yield 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons white miso
1 tablespoon mirin
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
6 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1/2 teaspoon sriracha, plus more for drizzling
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely julienned or grated
1 small bunch curly kale, ribs removed, leaves chopped (about 4 packed cups)
1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
Honey or maple syrup, for serving

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the quinoa with 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and cook over medium-low until the water is absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff it with a fork.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, miso, mirin, sesame oil, 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil and 1/2 teaspoon sriracha. Stir in the ginger.
  • Add the kale, massage it with the dressing and set aside to marinate. Spoon the cooked quinoa onto the kale and toss to coat.
  • In a nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 4 tablespoons grapeseed oil over medium. When the oil shimmers, cook the tofu, turning occasionally, until crisp on all sides, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil, then scatter it over the kale salad. Drizzle lightly with sriracha and honey and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 378, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 29 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 13 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 257 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram

CHILE-RUBBED CHICKEN BREAST WITH KALE, QUINOA AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD



Chile-Rubbed Chicken Breast with Kale, Quinoa and Brussels Sprouts Salad image

Provided by Marcela Valladolid

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup dried quinoa
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground chipotle powder
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
2 small garlic cloves, grated on a rasp, separated
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced shallot (from about 1/2 small)
2 large bunches kale, center stems removed and leaves thinly sliced crosswise (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
12 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cored, finely grated or shredded with a knife
1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped (about 2 ounces)
1 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (about 4 ounces)

Steps:

  • Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the quinoa, season with salt and cover. Reduce the heat to a simmer over medium-low, and cook until the quinoa has absorbed the water, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the chipotle powder, oregano and 1 grated garlic clove. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper and rub the chipotle mixture evenly over the meat.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook, turning once, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon, shallots and remaining grated garlic until combined. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil until thick and emulsified. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked quinoa, kale, Brussels sprouts and almonds together until combined. Add the dressing and cheese and toss lightly until coated; season with salt and pepper.
  • Divide the mixture among 4 serving plates and top each with a sliced chicken breast. Serve immediately.

QUINOA SALAD WITH KALE, PINE NUTS, AND PARMESAN



Quinoa Salad with Kale, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan image

An easy Quinoa Salad with Kale recipe. We love the way Dijon mustard enhances the similarly assertive flavor of the kale, while mellow pine nuts and Parmesan cheese balance it out. You can make this salad a day ahead; the flavors develop and deepen with a little extra time in the fridge. It's also delicious served warm or at room temperature.

Provided by Jessica Harlan

Categories     Salad     Cheese     Dairy     Leafy Green     Vegetable     Vegetarian     Lunch     Parmesan     Pine Nut     Quinoa     Kale     Healthy     Sugar Conscious     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small onion, minced
2 cups white quinoa, rinsed
1 1/2 cups water
3 cups chopped kale (about 12 ounces)
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 1/2 ounces)
kosher salt and black pepper
N/A

Steps:

  • 1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the quinoa and sauté, stirring, until lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the water and kale, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let cool. Stir occasionally to bring the warmer part of the mixture up from the bottom.
  • 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and mustard until smooth. Add a pinch each of salt and pepper. Slowly add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing.
  • 3. Drizzle the dressing over the cooled quinoa mixture. Stir in the pine nuts and Parmesan cheese and season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Cover and chill completely, 2 to 3 hours. Stir just before serving to fluff the salad and break up any clumps.

QUINOA, KALE, AND AVOCADO SALAD WITH LEMON DIJON VINAIGRETTE DRESSING



Quinoa, Kale, and Avocado Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing image

Love this healthy, quick recipe, perfect for a summer BBQ or a classy dinner! Hope you enjoy this as much as I do! I am new writing down my recipes, and would love some positive feedback! You can substitute sea salt for kosher salt, if desired.

Provided by Kelsey King

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes     Vinaigrette Dressing Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup olive oil
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
1 shallot, diced
1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 pinch kosher salt
2 cups water
1 cube chicken bouillon
1 cup quinoa
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch fresh kale, chopped
1 cup pine nuts
1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Blend 1 cup olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, Dijon mustard, honey, and kosher salt together in a blender until dressing is smooth and creamy.
  • Bring water and chicken bouillon to a boil in a saucepan; add quinoa, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Heat remaining olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; saute onion and garlic in hot oil until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir kale into onion mixture; saute until kale is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir kale mixture into quinoa. Pour dressing over the top and add pine nuts and avocado; toss to coat. Serve warm or cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 536.9 calories, Carbohydrate 30.1 g, Cholesterol 0.1 mg, Fat 44.4 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 9.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 315.3 mg, Sugar 3.9 g

QUINOA AND KALE SALAD



Quinoa and Kale Salad image

This is one of my favorite recipes. It's quick and easy and always a hit when I bring it to parties.

Provided by teach05

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes     Kale Salad Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups water
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 Granny Smith apple, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup dried cranberries
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 ½ cups chopped kale leaves, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff using a fork, and allow to cool, about 1 hour.
  • Combine cooled quinoa, apple, bell pepper, and cranberries in a large mixing bowl.
  • Combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl and whisk together. Pour vinaigrette over quinoa mixture and toss until all ingredients are coated.
  • Add chopped kale to the bowl with the quinoa mixture and toss in before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 154.7 calories, Carbohydrate 20.4 g, Fat 7.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 2.4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 105.8 mg, Sugar 8.1 g

QUINOA SALAD WITH KALE AND PINE NUTS, PARMESAN RECIPE



Quinoa Salad with Kale and pine nuts, Parmesan Recipe image

Provided by djbaker720

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 tbs olive oil
1 small onion
2 cups quinoa
1 1/2 cups water
3 cups kale
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tea Dijon mustard
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
1/2 cup parmesan

Steps:

  • in med saucepan heat 1 tbs oil over med heat. Add onion and sauute stiring freq until translucent 5min. Add quinoa and sauté stirring until lightly toasted. 2-3 min. Add water and kale stirring to combine. Bring to simmer reduce heat to low simmer covered until quinoa is tender and wayer gone 15-18 min. Put in lg bowel let cool stir occ. In small bowel whisk together vinegar and mustard until smooth. Slowly add remaing oil whisking continuously. Drizzle the dressing over quinoa. Stir in nuts and cheese and season to taste. Cover and chill completely. Stir before serving

Tips:

  • Selecting the Right Quinoa: Choose high-quality quinoa for the best flavor and texture. If possible, opt for organic quinoa to minimize exposure to pesticides and herbicides.
  • Rinsing Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitter-tasting saponins, which are natural plant compounds found on the quinoa's outer layer.
  • Cooking Quinoa: Follow the package instructions for cooking quinoa, ensuring the water-to-quinoa ratio is correct. For fluffy, separate grains, use a fork to gently fluff the quinoa once it's cooked.
  • Preparing Kale: Remove the tough stems from kale leaves before chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Massaging kale with olive oil or dressing helps tenderize the leaves, making them more palatable.
  • Choosing Dressing Ingredients: Experiment with different dressing ingredients to create a dressing that suits your taste preferences. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar help balance the flavors, while honey or maple syrup adds sweetness.
  • Incorporating Other Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients to your quinoa and kale salad, such as roasted vegetables (e.g., butternut squash, sweet potatoes), nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts), dried fruit (e.g., cranberries, cherries), or crumbled cheese (e.g., feta, goat cheese).

Conclusion:

Quinoa and kale salad is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. With countless variations in terms of dressing and additional ingredients, this salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Its high fiber and protein content makes it a satisfying and wholesome meal option for health-conscious individuals. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to impress your guests, this quinoa and kale salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing!

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