Citrus Herb Quinoa Kale Bowl (Printable Version)

Vibrant bowl with fluffy quinoa, crisp kale, fresh herbs, and zesty citrus dressing—perfect for lunch or dinner.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains & Greens

01 - 1 cup (180 g) quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped

→ Fresh Herbs & Vegetables

04 - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
06 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 avocado, sliced

→ Citrus Dressing

09 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
12 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 garlic clove, minced
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

16 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
17 - 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
02 - Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage with hands for 1-2 minutes until leaves become tender and dark green.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
04 - Add cooled quinoa, massaged kale, parsley, mint, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
05 - Divide mixture into individual serving bowls. Top each portion with sliced avocado, toasted pumpkin seeds, and crumbled feta if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The kale massage trick changes everything raw kale becomes tender and almost sweet, not bitter and tough
  • You can prep all the components ahead and they actually taste better after sitting together for a day
  • The citrus dressing hits that perfect bright spot without feeling too acidic or heavy
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that rinsing quinoa isnt optional unless you like your food tasting like bitter soap
  • The kale massage sounds fussy but its the difference between eating grass and eating something actually enjoyable
  • This bowl keeps surprisingly well for up to 3 days but add avocado fresh each time
03 -
  • Massage the kale right in the serving bowl so you dont have to wash an extra bowl
  • Multitask by cooking quinoa while you prep the vegetables and make the dressing

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