Description
The Kale Quinoa Cranberry Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing is a colorful and nutrient-packed salad made with a variety of fresh ingredients. The salad features quinoa, which provides a great source of plant-based protein, kale, a leafy green superfood known for its antioxidants and vitamins, dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, and toasted nuts for crunch. The maple tahini dressing is the star of the show, offering a creamy, tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup. This combination of ingredients makes for a well-balanced, filling dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients
🥗 Salad:
1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
2 cups water or vegetable broth
4 cups kale, stems removed and finely chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup toasted almonds or pecans, roughly chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1 small apple or pear, diced (optional, for sweetness)
🥄 Maple Tahini Dressing:
¼ cup tahini
3 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tbsp olive oil
2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin, as needed)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Quinoa
Rinse quinoa under cold water.
In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Kale
Place chopped kale in a large bowl and massage lightly with a pinch of salt for 2–3 minutes until leaves soften slightly. This helps reduce bitterness and makes it tender.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Add warm water 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached — creamy but pourable.
4. Assemble the Salad
Add cooled quinoa to the massaged kale.
Mix in dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and diced apple/pear (if using).
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Top with crumbled feta cheese (optional).
Notes
Packed with nutrients and vibrant flavors, this salad is perfect as a light lunch or a hearty side. The sweet-tangy cranberries and creamy maple tahini dressing make every bite refreshing and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Salad, Main or Side
- Method: Vegan, Gluten-Free
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: None
Keywords: Kale Quinoa Salad, Maple Tahini Dressing Salad, Healthy Kale Salad Recipe, Quinoa Cranberry Salad