In a small bowl or jar, whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Make the salad
Sprinkle kale with salt and drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Using your hands, massage until dark.⠀
Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kale, quinoa, carrot, red bell pepper, and sunflower seeds. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes until the kale is slightly wilted. Remove from the heat and add the pepitas, radishes, and cilantro. Stir to combine.
Toss salad with half the dressing and serve drizzled with additional dressing, sliced avocado, a sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Video
Notes
Tips for customizing your kale quinoa salad
Meat eaters can top with cooked shrimp, chicken, or salmon
Add a handful of crumbled feta cheese
Top with roasted chickpeas for additional vegan protein
After cooking, top with thinly sliced apples
Sprinkle with hemp hearts for even more plant based protein