Get ready to dazzle your holiday guests with a vibrant and nutritious Christmas Kale Quinoa Salad that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds! Packed with the goodness of fresh kale, protein-rich quinoa, and the festive crunch of pomegranate seeds and almonds, this salad is the perfect side dish to elevate your holiday spread. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this colorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a salad that’s as merry as the season itself!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the kale by thoroughly washing the leaves and removing the tough center stems. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- If quinoa is not already cooked, rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. Combine quinoa with water in a saucepan (typically 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Allow cooked quinoa to cool to room temperature by spreading it on a flat plate or baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Massage the chopped kale with half of the prepared dressing to help soften the leaves and enhance flavor absorption.
- Add cooled quinoa to the kale and mix gently to combine.
- Sprinkle pomegranate seeds, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a festive holiday side dish.
Tips
- Fresh Kale Matters: Choose fresh, vibrant kale leaves for the best flavor and texture. Look for dark green leaves without any wilting or browning.
- Cooking Quinoa: Rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can make it taste bitter. Use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water for perfectly fluffy results.
- Dressing Magic: Don’t skip the step of massaging the kale with the dressing. This helps to soften the leaves and enhances their flavor, making the salad more enjoyable.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes after tossing it together. This resting period lets the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other festive ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes or cranberries to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table. Pair it with your favorite protein for a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
