Close-up shot of a colorful Kale & Quinoa Smørrebrød with Tahini Dressing, garnished with toasted sesame seeds

Smørrebrød

kale and quinoa smorrebrod with tahini dressing

By Savory Touch

Published: 08 Apr 2025

This recipe is my take on the classic Danish open-faced sandwich, smørrebrød, but with a healthy and flavorful twist. It's a vibrant and satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Think of it as a gourmet salad on toast—but way more impressive!
A rustic wooden table set with two plates of Kale & Quinoa Smørrebrød, garnished with sesame seeds and lemon wedges
I first encountered smørrebrød during a trip to Copenhagen, and I was immediately captivated by its simplicity and elegance. It's the kind of dish that feels both sophisticated and approachable, which makes it incredibly versatile for any occasion. Plus, it's remarkably easy to customize! This recipe is my attempt to share that joy with you—to bring a little bit of Copenhagen to your kitchen!
A person assembling Kale & Quinoa Smørrebrød

Required Equipments

  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Spatula
  • Serving platter

Kale and Quinoa Smorrebrod with Tahini Dressing

This vibrant Kale & Quinoa Smørrebrød with Tahini Dressing is a healthy and delicious twist on the classic Danish open-faced sandwich, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, let's tackle the quinoa. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any bitter saponins. Then, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Fluff it with a fork and set aside to cool slightly. Don't peek—you'll let all that steam escape!
  2. Next up, the kale. Wash 1 bunch of kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Roughly chop the leaves. You can use your hands or a knife—whatever feels good. If you're short on time, you can even use pre-chopped kale. I'm all about shortcuts!
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove garlic (minced—or use pre-minced if you're in a rush!), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! Taste it and adjust seasonings to your liking. Maybe add a little honey or maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
  4. Now, let's assemble the smørrebrød. You'll need 4 slices of your favorite rye bread (or the alternative you chose in the FAQ). Spread a generous layer of the tahini dressing on each slice. Don't be shy! Then, top with the cooked quinoa, followed by the chopped kale. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal—I know, it's the little things that make a dish special.
  5. To toast the sesame seeds, simply heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Don't wander off or you'll burn them; trust me, I've been there!
  6. Finally, serve your beautiful Kale & Quinoa Smørrebrød immediately and enjoy! You've earned it after all that hard work, or if it was easy, then you're just wonderfully efficient! Either way, congrats! Share them with your friends, impress your family, or simply savour this delicious and healthy treat all to yourself—no judgment!

📝 Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
  • For a richer flavor, try using toasted sesame oil instead of regular olive oil.
  • If you don't have fresh garlic, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 10 g

Fat: 15 g

Carbohydrates: 45 g

Fiber: 8 g

Calcium: 30 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The joy of cooking lies not just in the final dish, but in the process of creating something nourishing and delicious.

Want to join our exclusive community?

FOLLOW US

SavoryTouch offers general content intended solely for informational purposes. The information provided on this site is not a substitute for professional nutritional, dietary, or culinary advice. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals regarding any dietary concerns, health conditions, or food-related decisions.

© 2025 SavoryTouch. All Rights Reserved.