Kale & quinoa salad with a simple lemon dijon dressing

This protein-packed Kale & quinoa salad combines a variety of superfoods: massaged kale, fluffy quinoa, and crunchy pumpkin seeds, dressed in lemon dijon for meal prep, dinner parties, or lunch.

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Now let’s get cooking!

Kale & quinoa salad with lemon dijon dressing

Ingredients

(Servings: 6)

• 1 bag kale

• 1 can chickpeas

• 3 cups quinoa, dried

• 1 cup roasted and salted pumpkin seeds

• 2 turns of black pepper, to top

• For the lemon dijon dressing:

  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice (about 1/4 lemon)

  • 1/3 cup olive oil

  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or honey)

  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard

  • 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder

  • 1/4 tsp Kosher salt

Appliances & Utensils

• knife & cutting board

• small colander

• mixing bowls

• measuring cups & spoons

• salad spinner

• air fryer

Instructions

1. Prepare the grain: Rinse 3 cups of quinoa thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer or small colander. Cook according to package instructions using water, then fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together 1 Tbsp lemon juice, ⅓ cup olive oil, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, 2 Tbsp dijon mustard, ½ Tbsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp Kosher salt until combined.

3. Prepare the veggies: Wash and dry the kale using a salad spinner. Remove the tough stems and finely chop the leaves. Place chopped kale in a large mixing bowl and gently massage it with a the entire mixture of dressing until the leaves are broken down slightly (no longer extra crunchy).

4. Prepare the protein: Drain and rinse 1 can of chickpeas. Pat dry, then toss them with a dash of black pepper.

5. Serve: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chopped kale, roasted chickpeas. Once ready to serve, combine base and top with 1 cup of pumpkin seeds. Enjoy!

Pro Tip: If preparing for lunches or meal prep ahead of time, consider adding the pumpkin seeds just before serving to maximize crunch.

For vegetarian/vegan dietary preferences: n/a

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What I’m recommending

1. Kosterina olive oil - A high quality flavor straight from Greece!

2. Kion vanilla protein powder - I practically have this every day, putting it in everything from my protein pancake bowls to smoothies and it tastes delicious!

3. Set of 3 serving platters - These are great whether you are hosting or bringing a dish to share!

4. OXO salad spinner - I throw in all my fruits and veggies in here to wash them before enjoying!

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I hope you have a wonderful week, and be sure to stay tuned on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube to see recipes, meal prep, and more!

Best,

Grace