Citrus Herb Quinoa Kale Salad (Printable Version)
Fluffy quinoa and crisp kale tossed with citrus segments, fresh herbs, and a honey-mustard dressing.
# Ingredient List:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Greens & Citrus
04 - 4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves finely chopped
05 - 1 orange, peeled and segmented
06 - 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
07 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
09 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
→ Dressing
10 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
15 - 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
16 - 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine quinoa, water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool to room temperature.
02 - In a large bowl, massage chopped kale with a pinch of salt for 1–2 minutes until softened.
03 - Add cooled quinoa, orange segments, grapefruit segments, parsley, mint, and green onions to the kale. Toss gently to combine.
04 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
05 - Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
06 - Top with toasted almonds and crumbled feta (if using) before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It is the perfect portable lunch that does not get soggy by noon.
- The sweet and tangy dressing actually makes you excited to eat your greens.
02 -
- Make sure the quinoa is completely cool before mixing it to prevent the herbs from wilting.
- The kale needs a proper massage to break down the fibrous texture for better eating.
03 -
- Use a microplane to zest some of the citrus peel into the dressing for extra intensity.
- Toasting the nuts in a dry pan for just two minutes makes a massive difference in flavor.