Easy Kale and Quinoa Salad

Craving something both nourishing and delicious? This kale and quinoa salad recipe is your go-to for a quick, healthy meal that packs a flavorful punch while keeping things simple and wholesome.

Who said eating your greens has to be boring? This salad with kale and quinoa is like hitting the refresh button on your meal plan, mixing textures and tastes that'll keep your taste buds on their toes. It's perfect for those days when you want something light yet filling or just looking to shake things up a bit in the kitchen.

Have time to spare? Add a dollop of our super easy and tangy, dairy-free ranch dressing on top of this kale and quinoa salad.

Taking a leaf from our quinoa edamame salad and vegan kale salad, we grabbed the best parts of both dishes and tossed them together to create a new favorite. With this recipe, we're keeping things light, vibrant, and most importantly, celebrating all things flavor-packed that'll have you coming back for more!

Jump to:

• 💚 Why you will love this recipe
• 🧾 Ingredients
• 🍽 Equipment
• 🔪 Instructions
• 💡 Expert Tips
• 📖 Variations
• 🥢 How to serve
• 🥡 Storage
• ❓ FAQ
• 📚 More salad recipes
• 🎥 Video
• 📋 Recipe
• 💬 Reviews and Comments

🧾 Ingredients

The ingredients that make this wholesome salad so good are:

• Quinoa: Offers a high-protein, gluten-free base that adds a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Kale: Rich in vitamins and minerals, it brings a hearty, earthy component that balances the salad's textures.
• Green peas: Add a sweet, fresh pop of color to boost fiber and protein.
• Mushrooms: Provide a meaty texture and umami depth that complements the lighter elements.
• Ground garlic: Infuses the dish with a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Onion: Offers a sharp, slightly sweet undertone that adds complexity to the salad's flavors.
• Pomegranate arils: Introduce a juicy, tart burst, adding a vibrant contrast to the dish.

Optional

• Extra-virgin Olive oil: Elevates the salad with a smooth, fruity richness and helps to meld the flavors together.
• Toasted Sunflower seeds: Contribute a nutty crunch and a boost of vitamin E, making the salad even more satisfying.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions

Original Ingredient	Suggested Substitution
Quinoa	Bulgur or couscous
Kale	Spinach or Swiss chard
Green peas	Edamame or chopped green beans
Mushrooms	Zucchini or eggplant
Ground garlic	Garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
Onion	Shallots or green onions
Pomegranate arils	Dried cranberries or cherries
Olive oil (extra virgin)	Avocado oil or walnut oil
Sunflower seeds (toasted)	Pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds

🍽 Equipment

Small saucepan, large skillet, and mixing bowl.

🔪 Instructions

To make this quinoa salad, start by washing your fresh ingredients thoroughly.

9. In a large bowl, combine the fluffy quinoa, sautéed vegetables, pomegranate arils, and, if using, toasted sunflower seeds. Mix everything well to create a colorful and tasty salad.

📖 Variations

For a unique twist on this salad, try incorporating seared boletus mushrooms for their meaty texture and rich flavor, elevating the dish with a luxurious touch.

Another variation we love consists of adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes for a sweet and hearty contrast or mixing in some avocado slices for a creamy element that beautifully complements the earthiness of the kale and quinoa.

If you like fresh herbs, this dill quinoa salad I tried from Tori is fantastic! It took me to Greece!

🥢 How to serve

Serve as a main dish: This salad is hearty enough to stand alone, making it a perfect main course for lunch or dinner. Its combination of protein-rich quinoa and nutrient-dense vegetables offers a satisfying and balanced meal.

Pair with soup: Serve this salad alongside your favorite soup for a more filling meal. A creamy vegan pumpkin soup or a light sprouted lentil soup complements the salad's textures and flavors, creating a comforting meal perfect for cooler days.

Wrap it up: Get creative and use the salad as a filling for wraps. Tuck it into whole grain or gluten-free tortillas with a dollop of pumpkin hummus or a drizzle of maple tahini dressing, a portable meal option. This twist makes it even easier to enjoy your kale quinoa salad on the go.

🥡 Storage

Store your kale quinoa salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will stay good for up to three days.

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature for reheating to maintain its texture and flavor. If you've added ingredients like mushrooms or onions that you prefer warm, sauté them separately and add them to the salad before serving.

❓ FAQ

📚 More salad recipes

If you like this salad, you will surely love these salads with bold flavors.

⭐ If you try this quinoa and kale salad, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

🎥 Video

📋 Recipe