Get ready to revolutionize your salad experience with this mouthwatering Shredded Kale Quinoa Salad that's not just a meal, but a nutrition-packed powerhouse! Imagine a vibrant dish that combines the earthy richness of kale, the protein-packed goodness of quinoa, and a creamy tahini dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just another boring salad - it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your lunch from mundane to extraordinary, all while delivering a knockout punch of nutrients and flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale, shredded
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and finely shred the leaves using a sharp knife, creating thin ribbons.
- If quinoa is not already cooked, rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Combine 1 cup quinoa with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and pepper to create the creamy dressing. Add a little water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- In a large mixing bowl, massage the shredded kale with a small amount of dressing to soften the leaves and enhance flavor.
- Add cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to the kale. Toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle remaining tahini dressing over the salad and gently mix to ensure even coating.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally garnishing with additional herbs or seeds if desired.
Tips
- Massage the kale: This is a game-changing technique that softens the leaves and reduces bitterness. Use your hands to work the dressing into the kale for a few minutes.
- Quinoa cooking hack: Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural bitter coating, and use a 2:1 water ratio for perfectly fluffy grains.
- Dressing consistency matters: If your tahini dressing is too thick, gradually add water until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Prep ahead: This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a while, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics.
- Customize your salad: Feel free to add toasted nuts, seeds, or swap vegetables to keep things interesting and match your dietary preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
