Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
1 bunch kale, ribs removed and chopped into small, bite‑sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil (for kale)
Juice of 1 lime
½ teaspoon salt (for kale)
2 medium sweet potatoes (~1½ lbs), peeled and diced into ¼‑inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil (for potatoes)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1½ teaspoons salt (for potatoes)
1 (14 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
⅓ cup crumbled feta (optional, omit for vegan)
¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
2 ripe avocados, sliced or cubed
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons olive oil (for avocado sauce)
1 medium jalapeño, seeded and chopped
1 handful cilantro leaves
½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Cook quinoa: rinse 1 cup quinoa and combine with 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer for ~15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool.
Cook sweet potatoes: heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes, cumin, paprika and salt; stir to coat. When sizzling, add ~¼ cup water, cover and reduce heat. Cook ~10 minutes until tender. Uncover and increase heat slightly, cooking until edges caramelize (~3–7 minutes). Set aside to cool.
Massage kale: place chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and squeeze with your hands until leaves darken and soften. Whisk 2 Tbsp olive oil and juice of 1 lime; drizzle over kale and toss to coat.
Make avocado sauce: in a blender or food processor, combine avocados, juice of 2 limes, 2 Tbsp olive oil, jalapeño, cilantro, coriander (if using), and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assemble salad: add cooled quinoa to the kale and toss to combine. Divide between four bowls. Top with sweet potatoes, black beans, a dollop of avocado sauce, crumbled feta (if using), and pepitas.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate components separately for make‑ahead meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main course