Kale Crunchy Chickpea Vegan Caesar Salad

If there’s one stereotype I’m on a mission to debunk, it’s the notion that salads are the poster child for boring and sad meals. We've all had that sad iceberg lettuce salad with a few shredded carrots and a tomato. It's not really satisfying and it definitely doesn't make you HAPPY. So, I'd like to welcome you to my "NOT Sad Salad Series!" And welcome to this recipe: Kale Crunchy Chickpea Vegan Caesar Salad. This salad has a symphony of textures and nutritional benefits.

I want to shake up the salad world with creations that make you smile, and happy! I like to combine a variety of flavors and textures, making salads fun and always dressed with a homemade dressing. In this salad series you can always expect a salad that is easy to make that incorporates many nutritional elements that work together. You'll be getting a hefty serving of veggies (some fruits and nuts likely as well!), plant-based protein, and a tasty homemade dressing.

Kale: Nutrition and Massaging

Now, let's talk about massaging kale. It might sound odd, but giving your kale a gentle massage with a bit of olive oil, salt, or lemon juice not only softens its texture, making it more palatable but also helps break down some of the fibers, aiding in digestion. It's a no brainer! The first thing I do when prepping my salads is massage my kale so it has a moment to sit.

Salads should be a celebration of flavors and textures, a far cry from the monotonous bowls of lettuce we've all encountered. That's why this recipe features a hearty base of kale, a leafy green known for its impressive nutritional profile. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. I've chosen kale not only for its health benefits, but also for its versatility and robust texture. Using kale as the base holds up beautifully under a creamy dressing and can be stored for days.

Nutritional Elements and Texture of this Kale Crunchy Chickpea Vegan Caesar Salad

Speaking of texture, let's not overlook the importance of plant-based proteins and fun add-ins that transform a simple salad into a feast for the senses. Crunchy chickpeas roasted to perfection offer not just a protein boost but also a delightful crunch. This is my kid of classic Caesar salad crunchy crouton. To add heartiness, I’ve tossed in some air fryer potatoes, making this salad satisfying enough to stand as a meal on its own. Potatoes are not just filling; they're also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

No salad is complete without a variety of veggies, so I've included bell peppers for their vibrant color, crunch, and high vitamin C content, alongside avocados, which introduce a creamy texture and are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. Walnuts add a nutty element and a dose of omega-3 fatty acids, rounding out this dish’s health benefits.

Kale Crunchy Chickpea Salad with Vegan Caesar Dressing

Combine massaged kale, roasted chickpeas, diced potatoes, sliced bell peppers, avocados, and walnuts. Dress with a homemade vegan Caesar dressing for a hearty, healthy, and delicious meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 1 bunch kale
• 2-4 cups spinach
• 2 potatoes
• 1 15 oz can chickpeas
• 2 bell peppers
• 1 avocado
• ⅓ cup walnuts

Vegan Caesar Dressing

• ¼ cup hummus
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 2 teaspoon capers chopped
• 2-3 teaspoon caper brine juice juice in caper jar
• 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1-3 tablespoon water to thin depending on desired consistency
• salt/pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Chop your potatoes and rinse a can of chickpeas and coat with salt/pepper/avocado oil then put them in the air fryer for 15 min at 400F, shaking ½ way through
• Mix/shake all dressing ingredients together.
• Assemble your salad and pour the dressing over, enjoy!

Wrapping up, this Kale and Crunchy Chickpea Salad with Vegan Caesar Dressing is just the beginning of this NOT a Sad Salad series. I'm hoping I can transform the way you think about salads. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. With a variety of textures, flavors, and nutrition-packed ingredients, this salad is designed to delight and satisfy. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and join me in making salads exciting again. Please share your thoughts, rate, and review the recipe. Here's to more "Not Sad Salads" in our lives!

Here's another kale based creamy tahini salad you gotta try!