Quinoa & Kale Salad
About This Course
A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad combining fluffy quinoa with massaged kale, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty lemon–tahini dressing. This easy-to-assemble dish is perfect as a light lunch, side, or meal prep staple. It balances protein, fiber, and healthy fats for sustained energy and supports a wholesome, plant-based diet.
Learning Objectives
How to cook quinoa perfectly every time
Proper technique for “massaging” kale to remove bitterness
Knife skills for uniformly chopping vegetables
How to whisk together a balanced lemon–tahini dressing
Tips for seasoning and customizing the salad to taste
Strategies for storing and reheating without sogginess
Material Includes
- Printable PDF recipe card with ingredient list & steps
- 5-minute video demo of key techniques (quinoa cooking & kale massaging)
- Editable template for batching and storing meal-prep portions
- Suggested add-ins list (nuts, seeds, fruits, proteins)
Requirements
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (any color), rinsed
- 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 4 cups curly kale leaves (stems removed), thinly sliced or torn
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced (add just before serving to prevent browning)
- 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Target Audience
- Home cooks seeking quick, healthy recipes
- Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free eaters
- Busy professionals interested in meal prep
- Anyone looking to increase their intake of whole grains and leafy greens
Curriculum
4 Lessons2h 55m