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Zesty Quinoa and Kale Salad with Avocado Dressing

Zesty Quinoa and Kale Salad with Avocado Dressing Bliss

This Zesty Quinoa and Kale Salad with Avocado Dressing is a vibrant, nutritious dish perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Water or Vegetable Broth Using broth amps up the flavor during cooking.
  • 1 cup Quinoa Provides a hearty base and is rich in protein.
  • 4 cups Kale Chopped and massaged for tenderness.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved, sweet and juicy.
  • 1 cup Cucumber Diced, crisp and refreshing.
  • 1 whole Red Bell Pepper Diced, adds sweetness and color.
  • 1 whole Red Onion Finely chopped, soak in water if needed.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Chopped, burst of herbal freshness.
  • ½ cup Feta Cheese Optional, crumbly and tangy.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for flavor.
For the Avocado Dressing
  • 1 whole Ripe Avocado Creamy base for the dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens the dressing.
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds a silky texture.
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced for flavor.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper For seasoning.
  • as needed tablespoons Water To achieve desired consistency.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • large mixing bowl
  • Blender or food processor

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a rolling boil. Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then add it. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add chopped kale and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with hands for 2-3 minutes until it wilts.
  3. Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley to the kale. Mix gently.
  4. Fluff the cooled quinoa with a fork and add it to the vegetable mixture. Gently fold the quinoa into the salad.
  5. In a blender, combine ripe avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water gradually.
  6. Drizzle the avocado dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  7. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese atop the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve chilled or at room temperature, letting it sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 10gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, rinse quinoa thoroughly and don't skip massaging the kale! Use ripe avocados for a creamier dressing.

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