Kale Quinoa Salad

This Kale Quinoa Salad is a nutrient-packed, vibrant salad perfect for a refreshing lunch or as a flavorful side dish. The hearty kale is tenderized with a simple massage, then combined with fluffy quinoa, crunchy pecans, and sweet-tart cranberries. Shredded carrots and tangy feta cheese add extra texture and depth of flavor, all brought together by a zesty lemon dressing. The combination of protein-rich quinoa, fibrous kale, and a burst of citrus makes it both satisfying and energizing.

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• ⅔ cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 ⅓ cups vegetable broth or water
• 3 cups chopped kale, lightly packed
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup shredded carrots (or matchstick cut)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

For the Lemon Dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook the Quinoa

• Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer, draining well.
• In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and vegetable broth (or water) to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
• Cover and let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Let the quinoa cool completely.

1. Make the Dressing

• In a small jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Shake well to emulsify and set aside.

1. Prepare the Kale

• Place the chopped kale in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.
• Massage the kale with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it becomes tender and dark green.

1. Assemble the Salad

• Add cooled quinoa, pecans, shredded carrots, feta, red onion, and cranberries to the bowl with the kale.
• Drizzle with the lemon dressing and toss well to combine.

1. Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

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Tips for the Best Kale Quinoa Salad

• Massage the Kale: This step softens the kale, reducing its bitterness and enhancing flavor.
• Cool the Quinoa: Ensuring the quinoa is cool before mixing keeps the salad fresh and helps maintain texture.
• Make Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for 1-2 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Customize It: Swap pecans for walnuts, or add sliced apple or pear for a seasonal twist.

This Kale Quinoa Salad is a refreshing, versatile dish that balances hearty textures with bright, tangy flavors for a deliciously healthy meal option!