Description
This Kale and Couscous Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish, combining fresh kale, pearl couscous, roasted chickpeas, and crunchy pistachios, all tossed in a zesty, creamy cashew dressing.
Ingredients
Units
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- For the Kale Salad:
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon EACH kosher salt and 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
- For the Lemony Cashew Dressing:
- 1/4 cup roasted cashews
- Zest of a 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, if you like a little kick)
- 1/3–1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chickpeas on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Meanwhile, cook the couscous according to package instructions. Once done, set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the kale, cucumber, dried cranberries, pistachios, mint, parsley, and green onions.
- For the dressing, blend the roasted cashews, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and water in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the chickpeas and couscous are ready, add them to the salad bowl. Drizzle with the creamy cashew dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra herbs or pistachios if desired.
Notes
- This salad is perfect for meal prep! Just store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- If you’re looking for a protein boost, add grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- You can also substitute the cashew dressing with a tahini dressing for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg