Kale Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese
Hearty kale quinoa salad with goat cheese, avocado, and artichokes—big, nourishing, and flavorful.
This kale quinoa salad was inspired by one of my favorite dishes at a local restaurant. You know the kind—the one you order on repeat because it’s so good you can’t bring yourself to try anything else.
I wanted to recreate it at home so I could enjoy it anytime, with my own little twist. The result is this hearty kale salad that’s big enough to serve 2 people. It’s loaded with creamy goat cheese, nutty quinoa, buttery avocado, crunchy almonds, juicy tomatoes, and tangy artichokes, all tied together with a bright lemon dijon vinaigrette.
This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients. Kale is a fiber-rich leafy green loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, plus powerful antioxidants.
Quinoa adds plant-based protein and all nine essential amino acids, along with magnesium and iron. Artichokes are high in fiber and support digestion while providing vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
Goat cheese adds a creamy touch along with calcium and protein, and because it’s easier to digest than many cow’s milk cheeses, it’s a gentle option for your gut. Together, these ingredients make a salad that’s balanced, satisfying, and nourishing from every angle.
Kale Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 packed cups chopped kale, Tuscan or curly, stems removed
- ½ cup cooked quinoa, about 3 tbsp dry
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- microgreens, optional
Lemon Dijon Dressing
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1-2 tbsp water
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Whisk lemon juice, mustard, water and salt in a small bowl.
- Massage the kale: Place kale in a large bowl, drizzle with a bit of the dressing, and massage with your hands until tender (about 1–2 minutes).
- Assemble: Add quinoa, tomatoes, avocado, artichokes, almonds, and goat cheese on top of the kale.
- Dress & serve: Pour the rest of the dressing over everything and toss gently.
Nutrition per Serving
Nutrition information is an estimate for general guidance only. Variations in ingredients, brands, or calculation methods may affect the actual values.