Lemony Grain and Kale Salad
Servings
4
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
10
minutesWe are in love with grain bowls! The combinations are endless and very healthy. They are hearty salads loaded with color, texture and deliciousness!!
Ingredients
1 cup of grains (We used Wegmans Mountain Red Blend. A gluten free blend of rice, quinoa and lentils.)
5 cups of chopped kale*
3/4 cup of grape tomatoes, halved
2 kirby cucumbers, sliced
1 red apple, chopped
3/4 cup of freshly shaved parmesan cheese
kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- Roasted Spiced Chickpeas
15 ounce can of chickpeas
1 Tbsp. of olive or avocado oil
1/2 tsp of cumin
1/2 tsp. of garlic powder
1/4 tsp. of cayenne pepper
kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
- Lemon Vinaigrette
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. of honey
1 tsp. of dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. of salt
1/4 tsp of pepper
Directions
- Cook grains according to package. Allow time to cool.
- While massaging the kale leaves, tear or chop them into bite-sized pieces.**
- To prepare the vinaigrette, combine lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Or you can put all ingredients in a jar and shake until combined!
- To prepare the chickpeas, rinse and drain can of chickpeas. Spread them out on a cooking sheet. Pat them dry with paper towel. Bake them plain for 20 minutes and then toss them with olive oil and spices and roast for an additional 10 minutes.
- Assemble the salad. Place the kale in a large bowl. Add grains and toss to combine. Drizzle with two tablespoons of the vinaigrette and mix. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, apples, chickpeas, parmesan cheese and desired amount of dressing. Toss to combine. Serve with a side of extra dressing.
Tips and Nutritional Values
- 1.* We like to use kale not only for the health benefits but it is a stronger green and stays fresh without wilting. Good for leftovers!
- 2. ** We found by messaging the kale as you break it into pieces, the texture softens and the flavor improves.
- 3. Kale contains more nutrients than most foods! It is loaded with antioxidants and very high in Vitamin C and K! It is also rich in beta-carotene which promotes cell replacement and may help with preventing wrinkles! (Source: Healthline.com and Joy Bauer’s book: Joy’s Simple Food Remedies)
- 4. This salad can function as a side or as a meal. There is plenty of protein with the chickpeas but grilled chicken or shrimp would be great too.
