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Get your daily dose of antioxidants with a triple hit of fresh berries in this scrumptious quinoa salad. Baby kale creates a delicious base for the chewy grains, juicy fruit, and crunchy pepitas, and it all gets topped off with a drizzle of a simple maple syrup vinaigrette. If you struggle to create crave-worthy salads, this is the perfect recipe to start honing your salad superpowers. And while it’s hearty enough to enjoy on its own, it would also make the perfect side dish alongside a warm casserole or veggie soup.

By Shelli McConnell,

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry tricolor quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoon pure maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 3 cups baby kale
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan combine quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until tender and liquid is absorbed. Place quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve; rinse under cold water. Drain well.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the next five ingredients (through pepper). Add quinoa and chia seeds; toss to coat. Add kale; toss to combine. Top with berries and pumpkin seeds.

Comments (8)

(5 from 6 votes)

Recipe Rating

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Anna

It turned out tasty and colourful. I used frozen blueberries and strawberries since that is what I had, but thawed and drained them first to not add too much liquid.

Clare

Fun idea. Thanks! I am getting quinoa out now!

Cynthia

I went with the photo, and used fresh arugula instead of the kale. Delicious!

Donyella Hutton

I am glad to see you here today with a great vegetarian salad, again! I have a, Holy Bible lesson, about, happiness, today! Recounting the Mercy of God, Psalm 137:8, (NKJV). I love vegetarianism!

T

Step one should read: "Place quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water. In a medium saucepan combine quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until tender and liquid is absorbed."

Carol

Yes, T. That should have been revised in the instructions, thank you.

Tawney

Thanks for the clarification. I thought I’d been doing it wrong all these years.

Candice

It depends upon your quinoa brand. Some are pre-rinsed.

About the Author

Headshot of Shelli McConnell

About the Author

Shelli McConnell

Shelli McConnell graduated with a bachelor of science in consumer food science and a minor in journalism from Iowa State University. She began her career as a home economist in the Better Homes & Gardens test kitchen before moving into an editorial position within DotDash Meredith. She has since freelanced for 25 years and has served as an editorial project manager for many books and magazines, including three editions of the Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book. She has also developed thousands of recipes for publications including Forks Over Knives magazine; Eat This, Not That!; Diabetic Living; Better Homes & Gardens; The Magnolia Journal; and more. McConnell loves to entertain and inspire, so when she’s not in her office, she’s usually in her kitchen. Find her on LinkedIn.
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