Skip to Content

Power Greens Salad

Sharing is caring!

Indulge your taste buds in a burst of flavors with our Power Greens Salad with Lemon Dressing. This mix of kale, swiss chard, and quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse too which makes this recipe a must-try for both health enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

 

Main image for Power Greens Salad

 

This power green salad is one I make on a regular basis for my family.

Not only is it packed with nutrient-rich ingredients that fuel your body, this nutritious salad tastes absolutely delicious.

The homemade lemon dressing is so easy but covers everything in great flavors that have you coming back for more.

It is one of my own favorite dressings, and I make extra to use on other salads.

You can never have enough dressing on hand.

The best part is this salad includes quinoa and beans which means it is a complete meal with plant based protein and veggies, a perfect part of a heart-healthy diet.

And since the greens are kale and chard, they do not wilt when mixed with the dressing.

In fact letting the dressing sit on the leaves makes them taste even better!

Whether your food philosophy is due to a health condition or other specific medical reasons or you are just following general nutrition advice, this salad is perfect for salad lovers, healthy eaters, or someone looking for something fresh to start a new year.

 

All ingredients for Power Greens Salad laid out on counter top

 

What Ingredients are in Power Greens Salad?

  • Kale: This green can stand up to salad dressing without wilting. It is crunchy and fresh.
  • Swiss Chard: green chards bring a mild, slightly sweet taste and vibrant color to the mix.
  • Carrots: Shredded for a sweet and crunchy texture.
  • Red Cabbage: Adds a rich purple hue and a quiet peppery taste.
  • Quinoa: A protein-packed grain that goes great with the greens.
  • Small White Beans: give a creamy texture and an extra protein punch.
  • Green Onion: Adds a mild onion flavor for depth.
  • Golden Raisins: Bring a burst of sweetness to balance the savory elements of the Superfood Salad.
  • Pepitas: Shelled pumpkin seeds add a crunch for texture.

Lemon Dressing Ingredients:

  • Honey: The sweetener of the dressing, thicker than maple syrup
  • Dijon Mustard: mustard keeps the acid and oil from separating in the dressing
  • Lemon Zest: adds a bright lemony kick with specks of color
  • Extra-virgin Olive Oil: the base of the dressing that helps the flavors stick to the salad ingredients
  • Lemon Juice: the acid of the salad dressing that gives you a bright citrusy zing
  • Salt and Black Pepper: brings out the flavor of the dressing ingredients to balance and season the dish

Pro Tip: Use mature kale leaves with the ribs removed. Baby kale is a lot like baby spinach which wilts quickly when covered in a dressing.

 

All salad ingredients in a bowl, unmixed

 

How to Make Power Greens Salad:

  1. Cook quinoa by following the package instructions.
  2. Combine power green salad ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Mix the dijon mustard and honey in a small bowl. 
  4. Add the remaining salad dressing ingredients to the honey mustard and whisk until well mixed.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and refrigerate for optimal flavor absorption.

Pro Tip: If you prefer, you can make the dressing in a blender or food processor as well. Add ingredients and slowly pour in oil until mixed to your liking.

 

Lemon dressing in a bowl next to prepared salad

 

What Does the Term Power Greens Mean?

“Power greens” are leafy greens like kale and swiss chard that have so many important nutrients we need on a daily basis.

They usually have a lot of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sometimes they even have protein.

This power greens recipe has all those things plus bright lemon dressing that make it all taste delicious.

 

Dressing being poured over salad

 

Can You Make Power Greens Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this power greens salad recipe ahead of time.

Like all good recipes you make ahead of time, that lets the flavors meld and intensify, giving you an even more delicious dish. 

And the leaves of kale and chard do not wilt like normal lettuce leaves, so this is one of those great salad recipes to make ahead of time and take with you.

 

Salad tossed and in serving bowl

 

How to Store Power Greens Salad:

Store super greens salad recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

If you are taking it on the go and do not have a refrigerator, add an ice pack or frozen water bottle and carry it in a cooler to keep it chilled.

 

zoomed in image of salad in bowl.

 

How Long Does Power Greens Salad Last?

Power greens salad stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored properly.

Eat it within this time frame for the best taste and texture.

Can You Freeze Power Greens Salad?

No, you should not freeze power greens salad once you have made it.

Fresh produce does not thaw the same once it has been frozen.

But, if you are making a salad smoothie, you could freeze this super greens salad recipe and then mix it with some orange juice for a green citrus boost on the go. 

 

Spoon scooping a portion of salad out of the bowl

 

Is Power Greens Salad Keto?

Yes, this Power Greens Salad is keto-friendly.

This nutrient-rich recipe fits in a low-carb diet as well as in many other special diet needs.

Is Power Greens Salad Gluten-Free?

Yes, power greens salad is gluten-free!

Everything in this salad is naturally gluten free, just be sure to check your own dressing is also gluten free if you do not use this homemade lemon dressing.

 

salad tongs picking up salad from serving bowl

 

Is Power Greens Salad Healthy?

Absolutely this power greens salad is healthy and vegan!

A large salad bowl of this is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are so important when focusing on clean eating.

What to Serve with Power Greens Salad?

Serve this power greens salad with Marinated Flank Steak, Sour Cream Marinated Chicken, Brown Sugar Ham Recipe and Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers.

You can serve it at brunch with Cranberry Oat Scones, Hibiscus Blueberry Smoothie, Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie or Spinach Pepper Quiche.

It really is the perfect salad dish to serve with any serving of a particular food you love.

 

zoomed out image of serving bowl full of salad and a individual portion bowl of salad

 

Additional Salads You’ll Love…

This power greens salad is the perfect serving of food. Packed with vegetables, whole grains, complete protein, and tons of flavor, you will be reaching for this the next time you need something delicious to make ahead of time.

 

Superfood Salad with Power Greens

Superfood Salad with Power Greens

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

 This Superfood Salad packs a powerful nutritional punch!

Ingredients

Salad

  • 4 cups kale, ribs removed, chopped
  • 2 cups swiss chard, ribs removed, chopped
  • 2 cups carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup red cabbage, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Vigo quinoa, cooked (will make a little over a cup cooked)
  • 1 15.5 oz can small white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 Tbsp green onion, chopped
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)

Lemon Dressing

  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup Vigo extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • Liberal grinding of salt and pepper

Instructions

Cook quinoa according to package directions.

Mix all salad ingredients together. 

For the lemon dressing, mix honey and Dijon mustard together; add lemon zest, olive oil,  lemon juice and salt and pepper. Whisk to combine. 

Add dressing to salad mixture; refrigerate for a half hour or so to allow the salad to absorb a little of the dressing. 

 

Notes

 

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 265Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 61mgFiber: 6gSugar: 15gProtein: 8g
Originally Posted: November 6, 2017

Photos & Text Updated: March 29, 2024

 

Geoff

Saturday 9th of December 2017

I like Vigo's rice and lentil pilaf as a side dish for grilled meats.

Melissa

Saturday 9th of December 2017

I love the Vigo Black Beans & Rice mix! It's a great side dish or a quick meal on its own.

Danielle

Tuesday 28th of November 2017

With the holidays coming, I really need to start making dishes like this to counteract all the goodies I've been eating! This is an awesome idea for healthy lunches (I bring my lunch to work every day). I haven't cooked with quinoa much (I'm not a healthy food blogger), but I would like to start using it more for my healthy days :-) And that lemon dressing - YUM!

Carly Williams

Thursday 9th of November 2017

I love the quinoa! I like to prepare it like a mac n cheese with broccoli.

Renee - Kudos Kitchen

Wednesday 8th of November 2017

This will be a great recipe for after the holidays when the body is in need of a reset. Bookmarking and pinning.

Skip to Recipe