This Kale and Quinoa Salad is hearty, flavorful, and packed with crispy Roasted Chickpeas and dressed in a creamy, smoky, spicy, Vegan Chipotle Cream Sauce, making this salad over-the-top delicious.
Perfect as a main dish or a side, this salad offers the perfect balance of textures—tender kale, fluffy quinoa, crunchy celery, sweet carrots, and crispy chickpeas. Every bite is satisfying and bursting with bold flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Kale and Quinoa Salad
- Loaded with Protein and Fiber: Quinoa and roasted chickpeas make this salad filling and nutritious.
- Crunchy, Creamy, and Satisfying: The perfect mix of textures and flavors.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Health Benefits
- Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber, which support immune function, bone health, and digestion.
- Quinoa is a complete protein (has all nine essential amino acids), gluten-free, and high in fiber and minerals like magnesium.
- Roasted chickpeas: additional protein, fiber, slow-digesting carbs that help keep blood sugar steady.
- Carrots, celery, and green onions contribute micronutrients, hydration, and phytonutrients; carrots give beta-carotene (good for eyes), and celery gives crunch with low calories.
- Healthy fats from the dressing (if using oil or plant-based cream) help absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and support satiety.
Kale and Quinoa Salad Ingredients
- Kale: A nutrient powerhouse rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants, adding a hearty bite. Check out the health benefits of kale.
- Cooked quinoa: A complete plant-based protein and gluten-free grain that provides fiber and essential amino acids.
- Roasted chickpeas: Deliver plant-based protein, fiber, and a creamy texture that makes the salad more satisfying.
- Spicy chipotle cream sauce: The creamy, smoky, spicy dressing that pulls this kale and quinoa salad all together.
- Optional add-ons: Raisins for a touch of sweetness, pumpkin seeds for added crunch, and hemp seeds for an omega-3 boost.
A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
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How to Make This Kale and Quinoa Salad
Make Ahead: Prepare the roasted chickpeas, cooked quinoa, and spicy chipotle cream sauce according to recipe instructions. Set them aside.
Step 1
Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Massage it with clean hands for 1-2 minutes until it softens. This helps break down its tough fibers and improves the texture.
Step 2
Add the cooked and cooled quinoa, sliced celery, shredded carrots, diced scallions, and roasted chickpeas to the bowl with the kale. Drizzle the spicy chipotle cream sauce over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Add optional toppings, if using.
Step 3
Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy it fresh as a main course or a side dish!
Recipe FAQs
Yes! This salad is packed with nutrients. It offers a nice balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy plant fats, as well as a high amount of different vitamins and minerals. In addition, this salad is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Other additions to this kale quinoa salad include cucumber, red bell pepper, raisins, blueberries, strawberries, red onion, sliced avocado, roasted veggies, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, air fryer tempeh, and tofu nuggets.
Yes! Raw kale in salad is very common. It's a staple leafy green in salads. If you're not used to eating raw kale in a salad, massage the kale to help break down some of the fibers. We use this technique with our Kale and Avocado Salad.
Absolutely! If you prefer, swap out kale for spinach, arugula, or Swiss chard. Keep in mind that softer greens won’t hold up as long in the fridge.
This kale and quinoa salad is a powerhouse of flavor, texture, and nutrition! Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a fresh, satisfying weeknight meal, this salad is a must-try. The roasted chickpeas add a perfect crunch, while the spicy chipotle cream sauce brings the smoky heat and creaminess.
Other Salad Recipes to Check Out
If you tried this Kale and Quinoa Salad or any other recipe on our website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below! We love to get your feedback for improvement.
Kale and Quinoa Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa
- 1 batch roasted chickpeas
- 1 batch spicy chipotle cream sauce
- 4 cups chopped kale curly kale recommended
- ½ cup diced scallions about 3 large green onions
- 1 cup sliced celery about 2 large stalks
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ lemon optional
- Salt to taste
- Optional add-ons: raisins pumpkin seeds, or hemp seeds
Instructions
- Make Ahead: Prepare the roasted chickpeas, cooked quinoa, and spicy chipotle cream sauce according to recipe instructions. Set them aside.
- Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Massage it with clean hands for 1-2 minutes until it softens. This helps break down its tough fibers and improves the texture.
- Add the cooked and cooled quinoa, sliced celery, shredded carrots, diced scallions, and roasted chickpeas to the bowl with the kale.
- Drizzle the spicy chipotle cream sauce over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Add optional toppings, if using.
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy it fresh as a main course or a side dish!
Notes
- Massage the Kale: This helps to "tenderize" it.
- Toppings: Optional, but we recommend adding raisins and some pumpkin seeds. It's very tasty!
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Gigi & Sersie says
Filling and flavorful. Love heartiness of the kale with the chickpeas and that smoky spicy sauce.
Mindy Nuñez says
I'm drooling reading this recipe!! I can't wait to try it! I will try it with the jalepeño aoili too! I am so excited! This recipe ticks all those boxes: legume, leafy green, grain, herb (is green onion an herb? close enough :P), veggies! Perfectly balanced meal and IM FASTING TODAY AND CAN'T EAT IT!! I'm having this for breakfast tomorrow I kid you not!!
Gigi & Sersie says
Lol! Thanks Mindy. You made my day. 🙂