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Zesty Quinoa and Kale Salad with Avocado Dressing

Zesty Quinoa and Kale Salad with Avocado Dressing Bliss

Delightful Zesty Quinoa and Kale Salad with Avocado Dressing is a nutritious, vibrant meal that’s a feast for the eyes and palate.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Dinner Ideas
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup quinoa Rinsed before cooking
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth Using broth adds flavor
  • 3 cups kale Chopped and massaged
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved
  • 1 unit cucumber Diced
  • ½ unit red bell pepper Diced
  • ¼ cup red onion Finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley Chopped
  • ½ cup feta cheese Optional, crumbled
  • salt To taste
  • pepper To taste
For the Avocado Dressing
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice Brightens flavor
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Extra virgin preferred
  • 1 clove garlic Minced
  • salt Adjust to taste
  • pepper Adjust to taste
  • water Add gradually for consistency

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • blender or food processor

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, let cool for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, add 3 cups of chopped kale, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until soft.
  3. To the bowl, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, ½ diced red bell pepper, ¼ cup finely chopped red onion, and ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. Mix well.
  4. Gently fold cooled quinoa into the vegetable mixture.
  5. In a blender, add 1 ripe avocado, ¼ cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 minced garlic, and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. If thick, gradually add water.
  6. Drizzle avocado dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  7. If desired, sprinkle ½ cup crumbled feta cheese on top and season with additional salt and pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use the freshest vegetables available to enhance flavor and color. Allowing the salad to rest for 10 minutes after dressing improves flavors.

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