Kale quinoa salad is filled with goodness and is easy to make.
Hail to the kale – and quinoa! These two superfoods taste great mixed with other vegetables, nuts, and cheese and then tossed in a simple dressing.
This will convert anyone into a kale lover!
![This kale quinoa salad combines the best of all flavors and textures. Crunchy carrots and kale are combined with pecans, sweet cranberries, and creamy feta cheese. Quinoa adds a slight nuttiness to the whole bowl. Finish it off with an easy to make homemade vinaigrette that has a tangy zing and a hint of sweetness from the addition of honey. This salad is great for serving as a side dish or main lunch. Add a splash of extra protein by including tofu or chicken. #spendwithpennies bowl of Kale Quinoa Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1200-Kale-Quinoa-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
- This salad has the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, nutty, and savory.
- It can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge for days.
- Surprisingly enough, this salad can be FROZEN for future lunches.
- It’s great as a hearty lunch salad or a side salad next to baked chicken thighs.
- It’s chock full of goodness and flavor.
![Make this delicious kale quinoa salad and enjoy all the vegetables of summer in one bowl. This salad is tangy, sweet, nutty and savory. To make it toss some kale and quinoa with sweet cranberries, creamy feta, crunchy pecans, or other favorite fruits, cheeses, and toppings. The dressing is made from scratch and has a delicious tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the honey. The whole family is sure to enjoy this favorite salad recipe, served warm or cold, so make a double batch when guests are coming over! #spendwithpennies kale , quinoa , carrots , broth , oil , feta , dressing , pecans , cranberries and onions in bowls to make Kale Quinoa Salad with labels](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IG-Kale-Quinoa-Salad-SpendWithPennies-1.jpg)
Kale Quinoa Salad Essentials
Kale: Choose bunches of kale that are deep green and remove any torn or wilted leaves, as well as the stalks. While I most often use curly kale, you can use other varieties like lacinato kale, baby kale, or Tuscan kale.
Quinoa: Cooking quinoa in broth (instead of water) adds extra flavor. Quinoa can be replaced with other grains like brown rice, farro, or barley.
Vegetables: Shredded carrots and sliced red onions offer color and crunch and are available year-round. Seasonal veggies like chunks of roasted squash, corn, or beets can be added as well!
Other Flavorful Additions: Dried cranberries add sweetness and so will fresh apples or grapes. Feta is a dry cheese that adds a salty flavor while pecans add a nutty crunch.
A Quick Homemade Dressing
This vinaigrette is so easy to make; just put everything into a jar and shake! You can double up because it’s good on salads of all kinds.
Lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic add flavor, while vinegar adds a little extra tang. Honey balances the dressing for the perfect bite.
Variations
- Bulk up the salad by adding chopped broccoli slaw, shredded Brussels sprouts, or spinach.
- Add other veggies; almost anything goes. If you’re not freezing this salad, try cherry tomatoes, red pepper, or chopped cucumber.
- Swap out pecans for pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pepitas, sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds.
- Cooked chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas are great additions for extra protein.
- Replace the honey with sugar or maple syrup.
![Make this delicious kale quinoa salad and enjoy all the vegetables of summer in one bowl. This salad is tangy, sweet, nutty and savory. To make it toss some kale and quinoa with sweet cranberries, creamy feta, crunchy pecans, or other favorite fruits, cheeses, and toppings. The dressing is made from scratch and has a delicious tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the honey. The whole family is sure to enjoy this favorite salad recipe, served warm or cold, so make a double batch when guests are coming over! #spendwithpennies kale in a pot to make Kale Quinoa Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Kale-Quinoa-Salad-SpendWithPennies-2-800x1200.jpg)
![For a hearty lunch or side dish, this kale quinoa salad is sure to top the list of favorites. In this recipe, fresh and earthy kale is tossed with some nutty quinoa and then topped with an assortment of toppings. Feta cheese, sweet cranberries, onions, crunchy pecans, and bright carrots are added to the mix. Finish it off with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Or add in some extra protein like tofu or chicken. #spendwithpennies kale in a bowl to make Kale Quinoa Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Kale-Quinoa-Salad-SpendWithPennies-3-800x1200.jpg)
![When it comes to flavorful salads, this kale quinoa salad packs a punch! This salad is loaded with protein rich quinoa and antioxidant-rich kale. Then it is mixed with pecans sweet cranberries and creamy feta in a deliciously tart and slightly sweet dressing. It's no wonder this salad is such a favorite. Add beans, apples, chicken, avocado, or even potato, or roast some squash to toss in, The sky's the limit with a recipe this good. #spendwithpennies Kale Quinoa Salad ingredients in a bowl before mixing and adding dressing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Kale-Quinoa-Salad-SpendWithPennies-4-800x1200.jpg)
How to Make Kale Quinoa Salad
- Combine dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake (recipe below).
- Cook quinoa and fluff with a fork, and cool.
- Massage chopped kale in oil and salt. Add the remaining ingredients and drizzle the dressing overtop.
- Toss to combine and refrigerate before serving.
![This kale quinoa salad brings together a delightful mix of flavors and textures. With crunchy carrots and kale paired with pecans, sweet cranberries, and creamy feta cheese, each bite is a treat. The quinoa adds a subtle nutty flavor, while a homemade vinaigrette, made with a tangy zing and a touch of honey sweetness, ties everything together. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main lunch, you can also boost the protein by adding tofu or chicken. #spendwithpennies serving Kale Quinoa Salad in a bowl with spoons](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Kale-Quinoa-Salad-SpendWithPennies-8.jpg)
Storing Kale Quinoa Salad
- Keep kale quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir in fresh nuts, cheese, or dressing, if desired.
- Believe it or not, you CAN freeze this kale quinoa salad recipe if it is made with the ingredients listed below. Once thawed, it tastes just as good as the day it was made.
More Hearty Grain Salads
Did you enjoy this Kale Quinoa Salad? Leave us a rating and a comment below.
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Kale Quinoa Salad
This kale quinoa salad offers a perfect blend of fresh flavors, making it a delicious choice for a side dish or lunch.
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
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Place the quinoa in a medium saucepan with vegetable broth or water.
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Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Cool completely.
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Once the quinoa has cooled completely, place it in a large bowl.
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In a jar, combine all dressing ingredients and shake well.
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Place the kale in the bottom of a medium bowl. Add olive oil and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt to the kale. Massage the chopped kale with your hands until the leaves become tender and dark green.
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Add the cooled quinoa, pecans, carrots, feta cheese, red onion, and dried cranberries to the bowl.
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Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss well to combine.
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Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
To substitute store bought dressing, I would suggest a light citrusy vinaigrette.
Calories: 476 | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 900mg | Potassium: 491mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 7954IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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![This kale quinoa salad combines the best of all flavors and textures. Crunchy carrots and kale are combined with pecans, sweet cranberries, and creamy feta cheese. Quinoa adds a slight nuttiness to the whole bowl. Finish it off with an easy to make homemade vinaigrette that has a tangy zing and a hint of sweetness from the addition of honey. This salad is great for serving as a side dish or main lunch. Add a splash of extra protein by including tofu or chicken. #spendwithpennies bowl of Kale Quinoa Salad with spoons and a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NP-Kale-Quinoa-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![Make this delicious kale quinoa salad and enjoy all the vegetables of summer in one bowl. This salad is tangy, sweet, nutty and savory. To make it toss some kale and quinoa with sweet cranberries, creamy feta, crunchy pecans, or other favorite fruits, cheeses, and toppings. The dressing is made from scratch and has a delicious tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the honey. The whole family is sure to enjoy this favorite salad recipe, served warm or cold, so make a double batch when guests are coming over! #spendwithpennies delicious Kale Quinoa Salad with writing](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SP-Kale-Quinoa-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-2.jpg)
![For a hearty lunch or side dish, this kale quinoa salad is sure to top the list of favorites. In this recipe, fresh and earthy kale is tossed with some nutty quinoa and then topped with an assortment of toppings. Feta cheese, sweet cranberries, onions, crunchy pecans, and bright carrots are added to the mix. Finish it off with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Or add in some extra protein like tofu or chicken. #spendwithpennies Kale Quinoa Salad with feta and a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SP-Kale-Quinoa-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)
![When it comes to flavorful salads, this kale quinoa salad packs a punch! This salad is loaded with protein rich quinoa and antioxidant-rich kale. Then it is mixed with pecans sweet cranberries and creamy feta in a deliciously tart and slightly sweet dressing. It's no wonder this salad is such a favorite. Add beans, apples, chicken, avocado, or even potato, or roast some squash to toss in, The sky's the limit with a recipe this good. #spendwithpennies Kale Quinoa Salad in a bowl and close up with spoons and a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/LP-Kale-Quinoa-Salad-2-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
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