Baked Kale Salad with Crispy Quinoa and Lemon Herb Dressing
This warm, hearty salad features baked kale for a light crisp texture, nutty crispy quinoa for crunch, and a refreshing lemon herb dressing that ties everything together. It’s a perfect light meal or a side for grilled chicken or salmon.
Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
4 cups kale leaves, stems removed and torn into pieces
1 cup cooked quinoa (preferably cooled)
1 tbsp olive oil (for the quinoa)
1 tbsp olive oil (for the kale)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup cucumber, diced
¼ avocado, sliced
2 tbsp toasted nuts or seeds (almonds, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds)
Optional: 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
For the Lemon Herb Dressing
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or basil), finely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Bake the Kale
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss kale with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until slightly crisp but not burnt. Remove and cool slightly.
2. Make the Crispy Quinoa
On another baking sheet, toss cooked quinoa with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
Spread evenly and bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crunchy.
(Alternatively, pan-fry in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until crisp.)
3. Prepare the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine baked kale, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and toasted nuts.
Add crispy quinoa on top for crunch.
Drizzle generously with lemon herb dressing and toss lightly.
Top with feta if using.
Notes & Tips
Massage the kale with a drop of olive oil before baking for a softer texture.
Add roasted chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Store leftover dressing in the fridge for up to 4 days.
⚖️ Nutritional Information
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbs: 28 g
Fiber:6 g