Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Creamy Tahini

This vibrant Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Creamy Tahini! Tender quinoa mingles with sweet, roasted sweet potatoes, and the kale gets a makeover with an olive oil massage, leaving it tender and delicious. Topped with a tangy and creamy tahini sauce, this salad tastes like sunshine on a plate, perfect for any day of the week. 

But the real magic of this recipe lies in its versatility. Think of it as a flavor adventure playground! Don’t have sweet potatoes?  Swap it with roasted carrots, bell peppers, or even cauliflower. Feel like adding some protein? Toss in chickpeas, lentils, or grilled chicken. The possibilities are endless!

Soften the Kale Leaves 

 let’s talk about our leafy green friend: kale! While it’s full of good stuff, kale can sometimes be a bit crunchy. But I’ll share a little trick I use with most of my greens in this recipe: a massage! I am using vibrant Russian kale in this salad, known for its intense color and slightly peppery flavor. To make it less crunchy, gently rub it with olive oil and a pinch of salt. This simple step breaks down the tough fibers, leaving you with soft and yummy kale that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. This trick works great with other leafy greens like Swiss chard and cabbage! Give it a try and see 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 a burst of 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 textures and flavors of the salad 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.