Kale and Quinoa Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing

A simple and easy to make kale and quinoa salad with creamy lemon dressing that makes a great lunch or light dinner.

Plate with Kale and Quinoa Salad with dressing on top and fork on the plate.

I recently visited a farm stand that sources and makes all kinds of farm to table goodies. I grabbed a container of their kale tabbouleh salad because it seemed like a good lunch option. Once I had a few bites I knew I could recreate it at home with even better taste. It’s great as a light lunch or dinner option, but also would be delicious with some grilled chicken or steak tossed into the mix.

plate of kale and quinoa salad with fork and small bowl of shredded cheese

Ingredients

Kale – This recipe uses Tuscan Kale also known as Cavalo Nero, Lacinto or Dinosaur Kale. You can substitute curly kale if that’s is more to your liking.

Quinoa – Make sure you rinse your quinoa even if the bag says it’s already rinsed.

Walnuts

Raisins – You can use golden, or black raisins. Currants also work well in this recipe

Pecorino Cheese

 

For The Dressing

Greek Yogurt – Can substitute in plain coconut yogurt if needed.

Lemon Juice

Olive Oil

Honey

Small clove of garlic

S & P

 

Bowl of creamy lemon dressing with whisk next to it.

How to Make the Kale and Quinoa Salad

Rinse the quinoa and cook according to package directions. While the quinoa is cooking make the dressing by combining all the ingredients into a small bowl. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust for sweetness and salt if needed.

Wash and chop the kale into bite size pieces. Drizzle a bit of the dressing over the kale and using your hand massage the kale and make sure all the leaves are coated with the dressing. This helps to soften the kale leaves.

Once the quinoa is cooked add it to the kale along with the walnuts, raisins and pecorino cheese. Combine and drizzle with the dressing. Taste for seasoning.

Plate with Kale and Quinoa Salad with dressing on top and fork on the plate.
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Kale and Quinoa Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing

An easy to make kale and quinoa salad that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: brunch, Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: cauliflower gnocchi, italian sausage, cherry tomatoes, garlic, gluten-free, sheet pan dinner, kale, lemon dressing, lunch, quinoa, salad
Yield: 4
Calories: 724kcal
Author: Stillwood Kitchen

Materials

  • 1 large or 2 small Bunches of Kale, chopped or sliced into bite size pieces 10 -12oz
  • 4 cups Cooked Quinoa
  • 1/2 cups Walnuts, chopped
  • 1 cup Raisins Can use black or golden raisins or currants
  • 2 tbsp Pecorino Cheese Shredded is preferred but you can use grated

For The Dressing

  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt, plain Can sub in plain coconut yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Lemon Juice
  • 6 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 4 tbsp Honey
  • 2 small Garlic Clove
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Rinse and dry the kale and chop into small bite size pieces.
  • Rinse and cook the quinoa according to package directions.

Make the Creamy Lemon Dressing

  • In a bowl combine the greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, grated garlic cloves, salt, & pepper. Whisk until creamy, it may seem clumpy at first but it will smooth out.

Assemble The Salad

  • Add the kale to a large bowl and drizzle 3 tbsp of the dressing on top of the kale.
  • Using clean hands, gently massage the kale and coat with the salad. Let sit for 10 min so the kale becomes soft and tender.
  • Add the quinoa (it can be warm), walnuts, raisins and cheese to the kale. Mix then drizzle with 1/2 of the dressing. You will have extra dressing for serving if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

You can substitute curly kale.
You will have extra salad dressing to drizzle over if needed.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within 2 days. Gently microwave for a few minutes, so it's slightly warm.
Add grilled steak or chicken to make it more of a hearty meal if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 724kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 1236mg | Potassium: 804mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 51IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 4mg
Kale and quinoa salad with a fork and golden raisins scattered on the plate

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