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4.8 from 117 votes

Kale Salad with Quinoa and Cranberries

This hearty, fall Kale Salad with Quinoa and Cranberries is made even better by massaging the kale which helps break down the tough cell structure and gives the raw kale a softer texture and gentler flavor.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 226 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Salad , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 large garlic clove (grated or finely minced)
  • 1 bunch lacinato kale (center ribs removed, leaves finely chopped)
  • 1 small shallot (minced)
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine all of the ingredients for the dressing in a large bowl and set aside while you prep the kale. (This will soften the shallots and allow the flavors to get friendly).
  2. Add the chopped kale to the bowl with the dressing. Massage the kale in handfuls—literally rub the leaves between your fingers—for a minute or two, until the leaves soften and darken in color. (Yes, I know giving your salad a rubdown is a little weird, but it’s worth it. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.) Briefly set aside.
  3. Toast the almonds. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. (Do not put any oil in the pan!) Add the almonds to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan regularly, until golden brown and fragrant. Immediately transfer to a small bowl.
  4. Add the quinoa, along with half of the almonds and half of the cranberries to the kale and toss to combine.
  5. Transfer your salad to a serving platter or plates, top with the remaining almonds and cranberries, and sprinkle with the cheese.

Notes

  • YOU DO YOU: This recipe is meant to be a road map for creating your perfect kale salad, so play with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, and whole grains. You can also try curly kale, although it tastes slightly more grassy than lacinato.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1/4 of salad Calories 226kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 1.5g (8%) Cholesterol 2mg (1%) Sodium 149mg (6%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 7g (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 226

% Daily Value*

Serving 1/4 of salad
Calories 226kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 27g 9%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 1.5g 8%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 149mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 7g 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.