Apple, Quinoa, and Almond Kale Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Apple, Quinoa, and Almond Kale Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines crunchy kale, sweet apple, and crunchy almonds with hearty quinoa and tangy feta. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side that’s packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (370g) cooked quinoa, cooled
- 2 cups shredded kale
- ¾ cup (84g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large apple, chopped
- ½ cup (70g) whole raw almonds, coarsely chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons (30mL) olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded kale, crumbled feta cheese, chopped apple, and chopped almonds. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Step 2: Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over the salad. Toss well to coat all ingredients with the dressing. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the salad warm or cold.
Tips & Variations
- Use a sweeter apple variety for a nice contrast to the salty feta. You can also swap the apple for other fruits like blueberries, oranges, peaches, strawberries, grapes, nectarines, or pears—aim for about 1 cup of fruit in total.
- Fresh lemon juice is best for bright flavor, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This salad can be enjoyed cold or allowed to come to room temperature before serving. If needed, give it a quick toss before serving again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a few hours or even a day ahead. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and toss gently before serving.
Can I substitute the almonds with another nut or seed?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds make great alternatives and add their own unique texture and flavor to the salad.
PrintApple, Quinoa, and Almond Kale Salad Recipe
A refreshing and nutritious Apple, Quinoa, and Almond Kale Salad combining the wholesome goodness of cooked quinoa, fresh kale, crisp apples, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. This salad is perfect served warm or cold, making it a versatile option for any meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 2 cups (370g) cooked quinoa, cooled
- 2 cups shredded kale
- ¾ cup (84g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large apple, chopped
- ½ cup (70g) whole raw almonds, coarsely chopped
Dressing
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 Tablespoons (30mL) olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked quinoa, shredded kale, crumbled feta cheese, chopped apple, and coarsely chopped almonds. Mix thoroughly to evenly combine all components.
- Add dressing and season: Drizzle fresh lemon juice and olive oil over the salad mixture. Toss the salad well to ensure everything is coated with the dressing. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed according to your preference.
- Serve and store: This salad can be enjoyed warm or cold. If not serving immediately, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Apple: Use a sweeter variety for best flavor, but feel free to substitute with other fruits such as blueberries, oranges, peaches, strawberries, grapes, nectarines, or pears, aiming for about 1 cup of fruit.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is preferred for optimal brightness, but bottled lemon juice can also be used if necessary.
Keywords: quinoa salad, kale salad, apple salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, almond salad, feta cheese salad, no cook salad
