Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
In a large bowl, combine one cup of cooked quinoa, one bunch of chopped kale, half a thinly sliced red onion, a quarter cup of dried cranberries, a quarter cup of chopped walnuts, a quarter cup of chopped fresh parsley, a quarter cup of lemon vinaigrette, and salt and pepper to taste.<br><br>Toss to coat the salad, then serve immediately or chill for later.
It all started with a craving for something green and crunchy. I had some leftover quinoa in the fridge, and I thought it would be the perfect base for a salad. I added some chopped kale, red onion, cranberries, walnuts, and parsley, and then I drizzled it all with a simple lemon vinaigrette. The result was a salad that was both refreshing and satisfying.<br><br>But I didn't stop there. I wanted to take this salad to the next level, so I started experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. I tried adding roasted beets, avocado, and even grilled chicken. I also tried different vinaigrettes, including a honey mustard vinaigrette and a balsamic vinaigrette. But in the end, I always came back to my original recipe. It was the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it was always a hit with my family and friends.<br><br>This salad is not only delicious, but it's also healthy and easy to make. It's a great way to get your daily dose of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And it's a perfect meal for lunch or dinner.
Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked
  • 1 bunch kale, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette (see recipe below)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, kale, red onion, cranberries, walnuts, and parsley.
  2. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and toss to coat.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Why It Works
  • The quinoa provides a hearty base for the salad.
  • The kale adds a healthy dose of greens.
  • The red onion adds a bit of sweetness and crunch.
  • The cranberries add a tart and tangy flavor.
  • The walnuts add a nutty flavor and some healthy fats.
  • The parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
  • The lemon vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together and adds a bright and tangy flavor.