Wheat Free Kale and Quinoa Power Salad with Turmeric Lemon Dressing
This vibrant bowl is the kind of salad that actually keeps you full, built on a base of fluffy quinoa and massaged kale that goes silky and tender with just a minute or two of hands-on work. Every component earns its place — crispy cumin-spiced chickpeas, creamy avocado, crunchy pepitas, and a golden turmeric-lemon dressing that ties it all together with a bright, earthy kick. Quinoa is naturally free from wheat, making it a fantastic grain-like base for anyone navigating wheat sensitivities without wanting to sacrifice substance or satisfaction. The dressing is whisked together from pantry staples — olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, turmeric, ginger, and garlic — so there's no need to scrutinize a label for hidden flour-based thickeners or additives. Massaging the kale with olive oil and salt before assembling is a small step that makes a big difference, softening the leaves so they absorb the dressing beautifully rather than fighting back with every bite. The roasted chickpeas add a satisfying crunch that makes this feel more like a complete meal than a side dish. It's the kind of recipe you'll want to keep in rotation all week.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- ¼ tsp salt
For the roasted chickpeas
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
For the salad
- 1 large bunch curly or lacinato kale (about 8 oz), stems removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large avocado, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup shredded red cabbage
- ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa tails have unfurled, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and spread onto a plate to cool slightly.
- 2
While the quinoa cooks, pat the drained chickpeas very dry with paper towels. Spread them on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and toss with the cumin, smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly coated. Roast until the chickpeas are golden and crisp at the edges, 20–25 minutes, shaking the pan once halfway through.
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