As you may already know, I love kale. If it were possible to include it with every meal, I would. Kale’s hearty leaves are great in smoothies, as well as sauteed, baked and raw. This simple salad recipe is a staple in my diet, and with added avocado, parmesan cheese and crunchy walnuts, it’s full of great flavor and texture.
To keep things light and carb-free, I generally forgo croutons and top my salads with baked chickpeas. They are crunchy, salty and truly addictive. This recipe makes a large batch, so you’ll have extra to snack on throughout the day. And believe me, you will be glad you made extra because they are incredibly delicious!
What You’ll Need:
Half a cucumber
Half an avocado
Shredded baby carrots
6 – 10 cherry tomatoes
Handful of walnuts
Sliced green onions
Parmesan cheese
1 small bundle of kale
Juice from half a lemon
Balsamic vinegar
Two 15 oz. cans chickpeas seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper
ONE: The prep work is the most time consuming part of this quick salad. Rinse all the chickpeas under cold water and chop all your vegetables. Remove any skin from the chickpeas that has begun to fall off.
TWO: In a bowl, combine the chickpeas with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season to taste with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
THREE: Transfer the chickpeas to a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 30 – 40 minutes on 400 degrees F until they are light brown and crispy. Taste, and add more seasoning if necessary.
FOUR: Combine the chopped vegetables, walnuts, and parmesan cheese with kale. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and lemon juice on top and garnish with baked chickpeas. Enjoy!
Do you have a favorite salad recipe? I’m always looking for ideas, and I’d love to hear them!
Oh yes that does look like a winner! making this one. I also love to eat salads as my staple diet, and have recently feel in love with a baby spinach, dried cherries, sliced almonds and blue cheese crumbles with a white balsamic vinegaratte! Thanks for the share :)Kristie
Hi Kristie!
Oh that sounds awesome! Blue cheese and a little fruit is such an amazing combination :). I usually use dried cranberries, but I will definitely give dried cherries a try. Thanks for the idea!
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
I can’t do Kale in anything but soups as it’s just too fibrous. I always go with baby spinach or bok choy instead.
Hi there!
I love kale in soup too :). While I love kale alone in salad, mixed with spinach it’s awesome as well. I have never tried bok choy, thanks for the suggestion 🙂
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
that is making my mouth water! I have your soap book and I cherish it! So now it is time to write a cook book with all your lovely recipes and I can get that book too!
Much Love!
Hi Cassandra!
I’m glad you liked this post :). I gave the chickpeas a try this weekend, and really loved them! I ate the whole batch in one day, haha. I will have to suggest this to Anne-Marie 🙂
-Amanda with Bramble Berry
mmmmm… That looks delicious! We’re growing kale this year and I had no idea what to do with it!
Hi Rhonda!
Oh that’s awesome! I would love to grow kale :). I really like to saute mine with some balsamic vinegar, and eat it in the morning with eggs and toast. It’s great in smoothies too…with additional fruit you can’t even taste it 🙂
-Amanda with Bramble Berry