Orange, Avocado, and Kale Quinoa Salad

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Orange, Avocado, and Kale Quinoa Salad

Imagine a salad so vibrant, so packed with nutrition, that it makes your taste buds dance and your body thank you! This Orange, Avocado, and Kale Quinoa Salad is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines the zesty brightness of oranges, the creamy richness of avocados, and the hearty goodness of kale and quinoa. Perfect for health-conscious foodies, busy professionals, and anyone looking to elevate their lunch game with a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. Kale, chopped
  2. Quinoa, cooked
  3. Orange, segmented
  4. Avocado, diced
  5. Red onion, thinly sliced
  6. Olive oil
  7. Lemon juice
  8. Salt
  9. Pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
  2. Cook quinoa in a pot with water using a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
  3. While quinoa is cooking, wash and chop kale into bite-sized pieces, removing tough stems.
  4. Massage chopped kale with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness.
  5. Segment the orange by cutting away the peel and membrane, collecting segments in a separate bowl.
  6. Dice the avocado into small, uniform cubes and thinly slice the red onion.
  7. Once quinoa is cooked, let it cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  8. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled quinoa, massaged kale, orange segments, diced avocado, and sliced red onion.
  9. Create a simple dressing by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  10. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to preference.
  12. Chill for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Tips

  1. Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a clean, fluffy texture.
  2. Massage kale with olive oil to break down its tough fibers, making it more tender and easier to eat.
  3. For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe oranges and avocados at room temperature.
  4. Let the salad chill for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
  5. Use a sharp knife when segmenting oranges to get clean, beautiful citrus pieces.
  6. Feel free to customize by adding toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.
  7. The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored separately to keep ingredients fresh.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 417kcal

Carbohydrates: g

Protein: g

Fat: g

Saturated Fat: g

Cholesterol: 0mg

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