Kale and Quinoa Power Salad

This kale and quinoa power salad is a delicious and healthy way to start your day. It's packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The quinoa provides a hearty base, while the kale adds a dose of leafy greens. The cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and feta cheese add sweetness, crunch, and a salty tang. The lemon-olive oil dressing is light and refreshing, and it brings all the flavors together. This salad is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

This salad was inspired by a trip I took to Greece a few years ago. I was hiking in the mountains of Crete when I came across a small village. I stopped at a taverna for lunch and ordered a salad that was made with kale, quinoa, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and feta cheese. It was so delicious that I asked the chef for the recipe. He was kind enough to share it with me, and I've been making it ever since.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine the quinoa, kale, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, and red onion in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The quinoa provides a hearty base for the salad.
• The kale adds a dose of leafy greens.
• The cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and feta cheese add sweetness, crunch, and a salty tang.
• The lemon-olive oil dressing is light and refreshing, and it brings all the flavors together.