Description
This vibrant Kale and Couscous Salad is loaded with crispy chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a creamy cashew dressing with a citrusy zing. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner! #KaleSalad #Vegan #HealthyEating
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 cup pearl couscous, uncooked
- 1 bunch Tuscan kale (or curly kale), ribs removed and thinly sliced
- 1 large English cucumber (or 3 Persian cucumbers), diced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup roasted pistachios
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, chiffonade
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chiffonade
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted cashews
- Zest of 1 whole lemon
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 large clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3–1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chickpeas with olive oil, salt, pepper, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy.
- Cook pearl couscous according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked couscous, kale, cucumber, dried cranberries, pistachios, mint, parsley, and green onions.
- To make the dressing, blend roasted cashews, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a blender. Add water starting with 1/3 cup, blending until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
- Toss the salad with the roasted chickpeas and drizzle with the creamy cashew dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken or tofu.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but the salad is best eaten fresh.
- If you don’t have pearl couscous, you can substitute with quinoa or farro for a similar texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
- Red pepper flakes are optional, but they add a nice kick if you like a bit of spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg