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:
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1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
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2 cups water or vegetable broth
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4 cups kale, stems removed and finely chopped
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½ cup dried cranberries
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½ cup toasted almonds or pecans, roughly chopped
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
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1 small apple or pear, diced (optional, for sweetness)
🥄 Maple Tahini Dressing:
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¼ cup tahini
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3 tbsp maple syrup
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2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin, as needed)
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Quinoa
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Rinse quinoa under cold water.
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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.
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Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Kale
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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
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In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Add warm water 1 tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached — creamy but pourable.
4. Assemble the Salad
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Add cooled quinoa to the massaged kale.
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Mix in dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and diced apple/pear (if using).
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Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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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