Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a flavor explosion that transforms your entire meal experience! Our Strawberry Kale Quinoa Salad is a stunning blend of nutritious superfoods and vibrant flavors that will revolutionize your lunch routine. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, antioxidant-loaded kale, and sweet, juicy strawberries, this recipe is about to become your new obsession – a perfect harmony of health and incredible taste that will leave you craving more with every single bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the kale. Wash and chop 2 cups of kale into bite-sized pieces. If desired, remove the tough stems for a more tender salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale with a pinch of salt and massage it gently with your hands for about 2-3 minutes. This helps to soften the kale and enhance its flavor.
- After the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and add it to the bowl with the massaged kale.
- Next, slice 1 cup of fresh strawberries and add them to the quinoa and kale mixture.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the salad for a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Drizzle 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, and gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- Serve the Strawberry Kale Quinoa Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for later. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating
- Massage kale gently to break down its tough fibers and enhance digestibility
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most intense flavor
- Let the salad rest for 5 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or pecans
- Use high-quality balsamic vinaigrette for maximum flavor impact
- This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
- For a vegan version, replace feta with plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast
- Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
