Kale & Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Quinoa: a tiny grain that cooks fluffy and is full of protein and fiber

Kale: a leafy green vegetable that’s slightly bitter but very nutritious

Cherry tomatoes: small, sweet tomatoes that add juiciness and color

Avocado: a creamy fruit that adds richness and healthy fats

Feta cheese: a crumbly, salty cheese that gives a tangy flavor

Olive oil: a smooth oil used for dressing and adding healthy fats

Lemon juice: fresh juice that adds a bright, zesty taste

Salt: a seasoning that brings out the flavors

Black pepper: a spice that adds a little heat and depth

One important step in this Kale & Quinoa Bowl Recipe is rinsing the quinoa before cooking it. Here’s how to do it right: first, put the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer or a bowl. Then, run cold water over it while gently rubbing the grains with your fingers. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear, which usually takes about 30 seconds to a minute. This step might seem small, but it really makes a difference!

Rinsing quinoa helps wash away a natural coating called saponin, which can taste bitter or soapy if you don’t remove it. If you skip this, your quinoa might have a weird flavor that hides the fresh taste of the other ingredients like kale and cherry tomatoes. Plus, rinsing helps the grains cook up fluffy and separate instead of sticky clumps.

When I first made this recipe, I didn’t rinse the quinoa because I didn’t know about saponin. The bowl tasted kind of bitter, and I thought maybe the lemon juice was too strong! After I learned to rinse it, the whole dish tasted brighter and cleaner. Now, I always rinse my quinoa no matter what recipe I’m making. It’s a little extra step, but it’s worth it for a tastier, fresher quinoa bowl every time.

• quinoa - Substitute with bulgur wheat: Bulgur wheat has a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making it a good alternative to quinoa.

• quinoa - Substitute with couscous: Couscous cooks quickly and has a light, fluffy texture that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• kale - Substitute with spinach: Spinach is tender and has a mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for kale.

• kale - Substitute with Swiss chard: Swiss chard has a slightly bitter taste and a similar texture to kale, making it a good alternative.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and size, making them an easy swap for cherry tomatoes.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with diced Roma tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are less juicy and have a firmer texture, which works well in salads.

• avocado - Substitute with hummus: Hummus provides a creamy texture and healthy fats similar to avocado.

• avocado - Substitute with sliced cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and can be a lighter alternative to avocado.

• feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar crumbly texture and tangy flavor, making it a good replacement for feta.

• feta cheese - Substitute with cotija cheese: Cotija cheese is crumbly and salty, similar to feta, and works well in salads.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and similar health benefits, making it a good alternative to olive oil.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, suitable for dressings and cooking.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice has a similar acidity and can provide a slightly different but refreshing citrus flavor.

• lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a tangy flavor that can mimic the acidity of lemon juice.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with umami, enhancing the overall taste.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and slightly different mineral content, enhancing the flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar spiciness but a slightly different flavor profile, making it a good alternative.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a different kind of spiciness, which can elevate the dish.

• Allow the quinoa and kale mixture to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled Kale & Quinoa Bowl into an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the absorption of other odors from the fridge.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The Kale & Quinoa Bowl can be kept for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
• If you plan to store the avocado separately to prevent it from browning, place the slices in a small airtight container and sprinkle with a bit of lemon juice to preserve their color.
• For freezing, portion the Kale & Quinoa Bowl into individual servings. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Place the portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the containers or bags with the date. The Kale & Quinoa Bowl can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To thaw, transfer the desired portion from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the quinoa and kale.
• Reheat the thawed Kale & Quinoa Bowl in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to retain moisture.
• Add fresh avocado slices and feta cheese after reheating to ensure they maintain their texture and flavor.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover kale & quinoa bowl to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally, allowing the quinoa to heat evenly and the kale to become slightly crispy.
  5. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover kale & quinoa bowl in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover kale & quinoa bowl evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the leftover kale & quinoa bowl in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
  4. This method helps retain the moisture and freshness of the vegetables.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover kale & quinoa bowl in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. This method can give the kale a nice crispy texture.

• Saucepan: Used to cook the quinoa by boiling it in water.

• Strainer: Essential for rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the quinoa, kale, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices.

• Knife: For chopping the kale and slicing the avocado.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the quinoa and water accurately.

• Measuring spoons: For measuring the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

• Fork: Used to fluff the quinoa after it has cooked and rested.

• Salad tongs: Helpful for tossing the salad gently to combine all ingredients.

• Serving bowl: To present the finished kale and quinoa bowl attractively.

• Lemon squeezer: Makes it easier to extract freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Pre-cook the quinoa: Cook the quinoa in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when assembling the bowl.

Use pre-washed kale: Buy pre-washed and pre-chopped kale to skip the washing and chopping steps.

Cherry tomatoes: Opt for pre-halved cherry tomatoes or quickly halve them using a serrated knife.

Ready-to-eat avocado: Choose a ripe avocado that is easy to slice, or buy pre-sliced avocado.

Crumbled feta: Purchase pre-crumbled feta cheese to avoid the extra step of crumbling it yourself.