Barley Free Turmeric Kale & Quinoa Detox Salad
This vibrant bowl is everything a satisfying salad should be — colorful, hearty, and packed with ingredients that actually keep you full. Massaged curly kale forms the leafy base, softened just enough to lose its toughness while holding up beautifully against warm quinoa and caramelized roasted sweet potato. Shredded red cabbage and carrots add crunch and color, while creamy avocado slices and raw pumpkin seeds bring richness and a satisfying bite. The real star is the golden turmeric-ginger dressing — bright with fresh lemon juice, warmed by spice, and just barely sweetened with raw honey — it ties every element together in the best way. Every single ingredient here is naturally free from barley, so there's no label-scanning or substitution stress involved; just wholesome produce and pantry staples doing their thing. It's the kind of meal that feels like a reset without tasting like one, and it works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for meal-prepped lunches throughout the week.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the roasted sweet potato
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 12 oz), peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the quinoa
- ¾ cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ tsp salt
For the salad
- 1 bunch curly 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
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ⅓ cup raw pumpkin seeds
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the sweet potato cubes on a large baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat, then spread in a single layer. Roast for 22–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are golden and the cubes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- 2
While the sweet potato roasts, combine the rinsed quinoa, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 13–15 minutes, until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa tails have unfurled. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!