This Kale Quinoa Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing is a skin healthy spring salad bursting with flavor, fiber, and will give you plant powered glow!
Spring is all about renewal—and nothing says fresh start like a vibrant, crunchy, colorful salad packed with nutrients. This vegan lunch idea is the perfect feel good Spring salad bowl, loaded with plant based protein, fiber, and skin-glowing ingredients.
It’s a go-to recipe in my kitchen when I want something nourishing and delicious that leaves me feeling energized, refreshed, and radiant.
And of course it’s completely vegan, gluten free, and takes under 30 minutes to make utilizing fresh whole food plant based Spring/Summer produce! 🙂
Kale + Quinoa = Salad Powerhouse
Let’s talk about why I’m obsessed with kale and quinoa—especially when I want to eat for beauty and longevity.
Kale: The Leafy Green Glow-Up
Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It’s packed with:
- Vitamin C: essential for collagen production and fighting off skin-damaging free radicals.
- Vitamin A: supports skin cell turnover and a healthy immune system.
- Fiber: great for digestion and detoxification—when your gut is happy, your skin shows it.
Kale also has antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help protect your skin from UV damage. Plus, massaging kale with lemon and olive oil softens its texture and makes it easier to digest.
Quinoa: The Complete Protein Glow-Getter
Quinoa is a complete plant-based protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. It’s also rich in:
- Iron: which is better absorbed when paired with vitamin C (like in this salad!)
- Magnesium & Zinc: two minerals important for skin elasticity, healing, and hydration.
- Fiber: which keeps your digestive system moving and helps remove toxins that can contribute to dull skin or breakouts.
Together, kale and quinoa provide a filling, satisfying base that fuels your body and supports your skin from within which is why I love to have it several times a week!
🍅 The Skin-Boosting Secrets of Sun-Dried Tomato Tahini Dressing
This creamy sun-dried tomato tahini dressing is packed with skin-loving ingredients! Make it super CREAMY by blending it in a personal Magic Bullet blender, so affordable and perfect for making salad dressings!
Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from UV damage and supports a smoother, more even complexion.
The vitamin C in the tomatoes works alongside tahini, which provides healthy fats to nourish your skin, while lemon juice adds an extra boost of vitamin C to support collagen production.
Garlic adds its own anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits! This dressing not just a flavorful but a skin nourishing powerhouse!
✨ Skin Health Benefits of This Salad
- Vitamin C (from kale, lemon, and tomatoes): Boosts collagen, reduces inflammation, and helps brighten skin tone.
- Lycopene (from sun-dried tomatoes): An antioxidant that may help prevent sun damage and smooth the appearance of skin.
- Healthy fats (from avocado, pistachios, and tahini): Keep your skin soft, supple, and hydrated.
- Iron + Vitamin C combo: The iron from quinoa and leafy greens is better absorbed with vitamin C, which supports healthy blood flow and a rosy glow.
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients like garlic and EVOO help keep your skin clear and calm.
Craving comfort food that’s both delicious and healthy?
My Cookbook, Whole Food Plant Based Comforts features over 70 irresistible recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients perfect for Spring and Summer! From satisfying meals to light, vibrant dishes, this cookbook makes plant-based eating easy, flavorful, and nourishing.
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Kale Quinoa Salad with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
Equipment
- handheld blender or food processor for dressing (I use a magic bullet, linked above)
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 head of curly green kale chopped and massaged with lemon, extra virgin olive oil & sea salt
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup tomatoes or bell pepper chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup salted pistachios
- 1 avocado diced
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing:
- 4 sun-dried tomatoes from a jar in oil or rehydrated in hot water for 30 mins
- 1 1/2 tbsp tahini
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 1/2 tbsp water
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp oregano
Instructions
- Add all dressing ingredients to a personal blender or food processor. Blend until very smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, toss together the massaged kale, cooked quinoa, chopped tomatoes or bell pepper, red onion, and pistachios.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until evenly coated. Top with diced avocado and serve fresh!
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