When I was at my healthiest, I found myself eating quinoa almost every week. I love quinoa because not only does it make you feel full (packed with nutrients and fiber), but it will essentially take on any flavor you pair it with. This lemon dressing on top is fantastic and doesn't leave me regretting what I just ate. This side dish or healthy lunch will come together in under 30 minutes and feel free to pack it full of veggies from your garden all summer long!

To make this kale quinoa salad with lemon dressing you will need:

1/2 cup dry quinoa (about 2 cups cooked quinoa)

2 cups chopped kale

1 can chickpeas

1/3 cup red onion finely chopped

1 red bell pepper chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese

1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

lemon dressing:

3 lemons juiced

6 tbsp avocado oil or light olive oil

2 tsp white wine vinegar

2 cloves minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

The rest is simple. Cook the quinoa according to the packaging. I like to add a heavy hand of salt to the pot of boiling water so the quinoa is seasoned once it comes out of the pot. Let it chill in the fridge while you assemble the other ingredients. Combine lemon juice, avocado oil, vinegar, garlic and dill weed and season with a heavy hand of salt and pepper, then chill. This recipe originally calls for only half of the amount of dressing, but I prefer my salads to be well dressed and packed full of flavor. If you feel that it is too much, do not use it all and feel free to add a sweetner like honey to tame the tartness of the lemon juice (but I love it tart!)  Combine the dressing with the feta, chickpeas, onion, kale, and  olives and season to taste. I have noticed the longer the dressing sits on the salad, it will soak and amplify the flavor. This dish would be wonderful with garden fresh herbs like chives, dill or parsley! Enjoy!