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Fresh Earth Bowl Salads

Fresh Earth Bowl Salad - featured image

A quick and wholesome salad featuring quinoa, kale, avocado, cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, and a citrusy dressing. Perfect for a nourishing meal that’s fresh, vibrant, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • A handful of fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil), chopped
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • Optional: 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. Add to a medium saucepan with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Let cool slightly (about 10 minutes).
  2. While quinoa cooks, rinse and chop 4 cups kale into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and massage gently for about 2 minutes until the leaves soften and darken.
  3. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup sliced almonds and toast, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, and salt & pepper to taste. Whisk or shake well to emulsify.
  5. Add the cooked quinoa to the massaged kale. Toss in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced ripe avocado, the toasted almonds, and a handful of chopped fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest texture.

Notes

Massage kale to soften and reduce bitterness. Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning. Dress salad just before serving to keep kale crisp and avocado fresh. For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup. Store salad and dressing separately if prepping ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: fresh earth bowl salad, quinoa salad, kale salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, wholesome meals, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad