Description

A vibrant and nutritious Cranberry Kale Quinoa Salad that combines hearty kale, protein-rich quinoa, tart dried cranberries, crunchy almonds, and optional creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a light apple cider vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for winter and offers a delicious way to enjoy healthy greens with a pleasant texture, especially if you massage the kale beforehand to soften it.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
2 cups kale, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Kale: Massage the chopped kale gently with a small amount of olive oil between your fingers until the leaves soften and darken slightly, improving texture and flavor.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, massaged kale, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and feta cheese (if using) until evenly distributed.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
Serve: Chill the salad for 10-15 minutes if desired, then serve as a nutritious main or side dish.

Notes

Massaging the kale is key to improving its texture and making it more enjoyable in this salad.
Feta cheese is optional; omit for a dairy-free version.
For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Substitute dried cranberries with fresh pomegranate seeds for a seasonal twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming quinoa is pre-cooked)
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook assembly
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 12 mg

Keywords: cranberry kale quinoa salad, healthy winter salad, quinoa salad with kale, easy nutritious salad, vegetarian salad