Kale Quinoa Salad Lemon Dressing (Printable)

Tender kale, fluffy quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes combined with zesty lemon dressing and crunchy toppings.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (approximately 12 oz)
02 - 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped (approximately 5.3 oz)
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

→ Grains

06 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

→ Dressing

07 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

14 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
15 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss the diced sweet potato with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
02 - Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Massage with your hands for 2 to 3 minutes until the leaves soften and darken.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
05 - Add the cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potato, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley to the massaged kale. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to combine.
06 - Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled feta (if using), and pomegranate seeds on top. Serve immediately or refrigerate and add toppings just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Colorful, nourishing salad that satisfies for lunch or dinner
  • Vegetarian, gluten-free, and easy to adapt for vegan diets
02 -
  • This salad is gluten-free as written but check ingredient labels to avoid cross-contamination
  • Feta cheese contains dairy and the dressing includes mustard
03 -
  • Make ahead and add toppings just before serving for best texture
  • Massage the kale well for a tender bite and optimal flavor
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