Want to be certain that you’ll have at least one healthy option at your next summer party? Bring this amazing Summer Berry Kale and Quinoa Salad that everyone will want to try!
Summer Berry Kale and Quinoa Salad
With the 4th of July right around the corner, summer vibes are in full force and so are all of the parties, picnics, and potlucks! If you’re anything like me, making healthy choices in the midst of an often indulgent spread of salty snacks, mayo-heavy sides, and barbecued meats can sometimes be tricky. I’m a huge proponent of loading up on the wholesome offerings like raw veggies and fruits (watermelon anyone?), but I’m never one to shy away from adding a little bit of everything to my plate, especially if there’s a salad in the mix that I’ve never tried before.
Want to be certain that you’ll have at least one healthy option at the food table? Be the bringer of the salad that everyone will want to try! That way, you can control the ingredients and ensure your dish is satisfying and wholesome at the same time.
This Summer Berry Kale and Quinoa Salad can be your offering for gatherings this season. If you’re a farmers’ market fan, you’ll have no trouble finding the ingredients. This salad scores major texture points from the hearty Tuscan kale, the slightly tender quinoa, and chopped pistachios sprinkled throughout. In the flavor department, it’s bursting with pops of sweetness from the juicy berries, a tangy creaminess from the feta, and all those flavors are married together by way of the lemon vinaigrette dressing. This dish is truly a salad lover’s dream.
The salad comes together quite easily once the quinoa is cooked. Add the kale, quinoa, berries, nuts, and cheese to a large bowl and toss to combine. One note on the kale: feel free to use whichever type of kale is available to you. I stumbled across some pre-packaged bags of Tuscan kale at Trader Joe’s. I’ve also spotted it in the produce section and at the farmers’ market. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the firmness and hearty texture of Tuscan kale, which happens to pair perfectly with the sweet and acidic lemon dressing. Because the kale is so firm and hearty, the flavor only improves with time as the kale soaks up the dressing and tenderizes.
This is certainly a salad that you could make the night before the party. Just remember to reserve a bit of the dressing to toss in right before serving and hold off on mixing in the feta and chopped pistachios until that time.
Keep this Summer Berry Kale and Quinoa Salad in mind for your next gathering. The vibrant colors, amazing sweet and savory flavors, and incredible texture will surely make it a hit!
- 2 bags (or 20 ounces) shredded Tuscan kale
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup raspberries
- ½ cup blueberries
- 1 cup blackberries
- ½ chopped and shelled pistachios
- 1 cup feta cheese
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- Cook quinoa according to package directions.
- In a large bowl combine the kale, quinoa, berries, pistachios, and feta cheese.
- Add the dressing ingredients to a blender and mix until smooth, or whisk the ingredients in a bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
We hope you love this Summer Berry Kale and Quinoa Salad from SoFabFood Contributor, Krista from Destination Delish, as much as we do. If you enjoyed this refreshing summer salad, be sure to visit our Salad Section for more like it. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a single recipe. For daily recipe inspiration, like us on Facebook, follow us on Pinterest, and stop by our Google+ Community to see all of the amazing recipes our community members are sharing. Enjoy!
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