Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Recipe with Tahini Dressing

Say hello to this vibrant Mediterranean quinoa salad with creamy tahini! Fluffy quinoa pairs perfectly with sweet, roasted sweet potatoes, while kale gets a tender, flavorful makeover with an olive oil massage. Topped with a tangy and creamy tahini dressing, this salad is like sunshine on a plate—perfect for any day of the week.

The best part? This recipe is endlessly versatile. Don’t have sweet potatoes? Swap them for roasted carrots, bell peppers, or cauliflower. Looking to add some protein? Toss in chickpeas, lentils, or grilled chicken. The possibilities are as exciting as they are delicious!

Soften the Kale Leaves

Let’s talk about kale—our leafy green friend packed with nutrients but can sometimes be too crunchy. Here’s a simple trick I use in this recipe (and with most greens): a gentle massage! For this salad, I’m using vibrant Russian kale, known for its deep color and slightly peppery flavor. To soften it, rub the leaves with olive oil and a pinch of salt. This quick step breaks down the tough fibers, transforming the kale into tender, delicious greens that blend perfectly with the other ingredients. Bonus: this trick works wonders on other greens like Swiss chard or cabbage, too. Give it a try and taste the difference!

Ingredients in the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

• Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube for a natural sweetness and creamy texture. Roasting them will bring out their caramelized goodness, adding a delightful depth to the dish.
• Kale: Trimmed, washed, and massaged with a touch of olive oil. This softens the kale, incorporates a hint of richness, and ensures it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
• Quinoa: I utilized 1 1/2 cups of uncooked quinoa, resulting in approximately 4 cups of cooked quinoa. This generous amount brought a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture, forming a substantial and hearty base for the salad.
• Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Its rich, fruity notes will complement the other flavors and create a luscious, well-balanced dressing.
• Tahini: This creamy, nutty element adds depth to the dish. It brings a luxurious texture and a distinct sesame flavor to the party.
• Lemon Juice: This zesty addition brightens up the overall taste and balances the richness of the olive oil and tahini. It adds a refreshing citrusy kick.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled at the end, it infuses the salad with a tangy, salty essence. It’s a classic Mediterranean touch that enhances the salad’s savory notes.
• Chopped Walnuts: With their crunchy texture and rich, earthy flavor, the walnuts add a delightful contrast to the components’ dish’s softer texture.
• Spices (Aleppo Pepper, Paprika, and Salt): Aleppo pepper and paprika bring gentle heat and smokiness, elevating the overall flavor profile. A pinch of salt ties everything together, enhancing each ingredient’s natural taste.
• Fresh Herbs (Mint, Cilantro, or Parsley): Finishing with freshness, these herbs contribute vibrant, aromatic notes, tying the dish together and providing a fragrant finish.

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Creamy Tahini is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for various occasions:

• Light Lunch: Enjoy a generous portion alone for a satisfying and hearty light lunch. Combining quinoa, sweet potatoes, and kale provides a well-balanced and nutritious meal.
• Meal Prep: Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week for a convenient and healthy meal prep option. It stores well in the fridge, maintaining its flavors and textures, making it an ideal grab-and-go option for busy days.
• Side Salad: Serve as a vibrant side salad alongside your favorite main dishes. It complements a variety of proteins and adds a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your meal.
• Pair with Soup: Serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato basil or butternut squash soup for a comforting and satisfying combination. The salad’s textures and flavors will provide a delightful contrast to the soup.
• Full Meal: Elevate your dinner experience by pairing the salad with oven-baked chicken breasts or lamb chops. The salad’s hearty nature and diverse flavors make it an excellent accompaniment to a complete and wholesome meal.

 Storage Tips

To keep your Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Creamy Tahini fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:

• Refrigeration: Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in an airtight container. This will help maintain the salad’s texture and prevent it from drying out.
• Consume Within: Aim to enjoy the salad within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. Beyond this timeframe, the texture of certain ingredients may change.
• Dressing Separation: If you’ve added the dressing, be aware that it might absorb into the quinoa over time. To refresh the flavors, you can add a bit more olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
• Avoid Freezing: Because of the fresh and crisp ingredients, it’s best not to freeze this salad. Freezing can alter the texture and quality of vegetables like kale and sweet potatoes.
• Meal Prep Containers: If using this salad for meal prep, portion it into individual containers. This makes it easy to grab and go while ensuring the freshness of each serving.