Vegan Kale and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

A Nutrient-Dense Salad Bursting with Citrus Flavor
Quinoa Salad pinit View Gallery 8 photos

Refreshing quinoa Salad with kale, quinoa, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal.

Vegan Kale and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 45 mins
Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: 15 Calories: 350
Best Season: Summer

Description

Quinoa Salad

This Vegan Kale and Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of hearty kale, protein-packed quinoa, and a refreshing citrus vinaigrette that brings all the flavors together. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, providing a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Whether you are a vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this salad is a must-try.

Quinoa Salad

Quick Tips:

  • Massage the kale with a bit of salt and olive oil to make it more tender.
  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
  • Use freshly squeezed citrus juice for the best flavor.

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Ingredients

For the Citrus Vinaigrette:

Instructions

  1. Cook the Quinoa
    • Rinse quinoa under cold water.
    • In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil.
    • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
    • Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
  1. Prepare the Kale
    • Place chopped kale in a large bowl.
    • Massage kale with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes tender.
  1. Make the Citrus Vinaigrette
    • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  1. Assemble the Salad
    • In the large bowl with kale, add cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
    • Drizzle with the citrus vinaigrette.
    • Toss to combine.
  1. Serve
    • Divide salad into bowls and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 350kcal
Calories from Fat 140kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Sodium 220mg10%
Potassium 800mg23%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 8g32%
Sugars 10g
Protein 9g18%

Vitamin A 8000 IU
Vitamin C 60 mg
Calcium 150 mg
Iron 4 mg
Vitamin E 3 IU
Vitamin K 300 mcg
Thiamin 0.2 mg
Riboflavin 0.2 mg
Niacin 2 mg
Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
Folate 150 mcg
Biotin 5 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
Phosphorus 200 mg
Iodine 0.03 g
Magnesium 100 mmol
Zinc 2 mcg
Selenium 5 mg
Copper 0.3 mg
Manganese 1 mg
Chromium 10 mcg
Molybdenum 0.02 mg
Chloride 200 mmol

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Quinoa Salad

This quinoa salad is perfect for preparing in advance, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining. You can easily assemble the salad a day or two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even tastier result.

However, it’s important to wait to add the avocado until just before serving. Avocados tend to brown quickly once exposed to air, so by adding them at the last minute, you’ll ensure they remain fresh, vibrant, and green, keeping the salad visually appealing and full of bright flavors. This little step will preserve the creamy texture of the avocado and maintain the overall quality of the dish, ensuring every bite is as delicious as it looks.

Quinoa Salad

Keywords: vegan salad, kale quinoa salad, citrus vinaigrette, healthy vegan recipes, plant-based meal

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?

Yes, you can use other grains like couscous, bulgur, or farro as a substitute.

Is it necessary to massage the kale?

Massaging kale helps to break down its tough fibers, making it more palatable and easier to digest.

Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?

Absolutely, the vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What other toppings can I add to this salad?

You can add nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or even tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

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Meerub Fatima

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Meerub Fatima, a full-time food blogger. I live in Lahore with my family. I love traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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