Go Back

Quinoa and Kale Power Salad - A Nutrient-Dense Meal in a Bowl

This Quinoa and Kale Power Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner. With a delightful mix of textures and flavors, it combines protein-rich quinoa, leafy kale, and a variety of colorful vegetables to create a satisfying dish that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water for cooking quinoa
  • 4 cups kale stems removed, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup chickpeas canned, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for vegan option
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste

Method
 

Prepare the Quinoa
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Prepare the Salad
  1. While the quinoa is cooking, wash and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, massage the kale with a pinch of salt for about 2 minutes to soften it.
  2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, rinsed chickpeas, and chopped red onion to the bowl with the kale.
  3. Once the quinoa has cooled, add it to the salad mixture.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Combine and Serve
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
  2. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if using, and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Notes

Feel free to customize this salad by adding other vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or avocado. The dressing can also be adjusted to your taste by adding herbs like basil or parsley.