Kale and Quinoa Power Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nutrient-packed salad combining crisp kale, fluffy quinoa, and creamy avocado for a balanced, satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Kale, Quinoa, Chickpeas into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Massage kale with 1 tbsp lemon juice until softened. Toss with 1/4 cup olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Cook quinoa in 2 cups water until tender, 15 minutes. Let cool.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine quinoa, chickpeas, avocado, and red onion. Drizzle with remaining lemon juice and olive oil. Fold in parsley.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kale and Quinoa Power Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Kale and Quinoa Power Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kale from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kale and Quinoa Power Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Kale and Quinoa Power Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Kale and Quinoa Power Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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