Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad

When I first stumbled upon the idea of a Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad, I was skeptical. The thought of massaging kale seemed both hilarious and oddly appealing. However, after trying it, I found a new appreciation for this leafy green! Picture this: I was in my kitchen, preparing for a small gathering, looking for something fresh yet satisfying to serve. I wanted to impress my friends with a dish that not only looked vibrant but also packed a punch in flavor and nutrition. This salad quickly became the star of the evening, with its bright colors and delightful textures stealing the spotlight. The best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make!

The Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad is a celebration of textures and flavors. The kale, once massaged, becomes tender and almost sweet, while the chickpeas add a hearty component to the dish. Avocado, lemon juice, and a hint of maple syrup tie everything together beautifully, creating a salad that is both refreshing and satiating. It’s one of those recipes that you can whip up in no time, yet it feels like a labor of love. I remember the smiles around the table as my friends took their first bites, and it made all the chopping and massaging worthwhile!

Beyond just being a delicious dish, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Whenever I make this salad, I can’t help but feel proud of the vibrant, nutritious ingredients that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a beautiful addition to your next potluck, this Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad is sure to please everyone!

So let’s dive into why this salad has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen!

Recipe Ingredients for Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad

The ingredients for this Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad are not just nutritious; they work harmoniously to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Each component plays a vital role in the overall taste and texture. The key players here include vibrant kale, hearty chickpeas, and creamy avocado, which all come together in a delightful symphony of health and satisfaction.

• 1 medium ripe avocado (halved, divided) – You’ll massage half with the kale and slice the other half for garnishing. It adds creaminess and richness.
• 1 medium bunch curly kale (rinsed, dried, and stems removed) – This healthy green is the star of the show! About 8 cups loosely packed, it becomes tender after massaging.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from approximately 1 medium lemon, divided) – Adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the rich avocado.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (divided) – Enhances all the flavors and helps soften the kale.
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about 1 1/2 cups cooked) – These provide a hearty texture and protein boost.
• 1/4 cup diced red onion (about 1/4 medium onion) – For a crisp bite and a pop of color.
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps in flavor absorption.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Introduces a subtle tang that enhances the dressing.
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup – Sweetens the dish and balances the acidity.
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – A pinch for warmth and depth.
• 2 tablespoons roasted salted sunflower seeds – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor on top.

Making Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad

Let’s get started on creating this delicious Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad. The process is simple and fun, especially when you get to massage that kale! Follow these steps to bring this vibrant salad to life.

1. Squeeze half the avocado out of its shell and into a large bowl. Using a fork, mash it until smooth. You want it creamy and spreadable. This will serve as the base for your dressing.
2. Add the kale, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl. Grab your clean hands and dig in! Squeeze and rub the kale thoroughly until it reduces in size and becomes tender, about 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial for softening the leaves and enhancing the flavor.
3. Set the massaged kale aside in a large serving bowl. It should look vibrant and fragrant at this stage.
4. In a medium-sized bowl, add the rinsed chickpeas, diced red onion, olive oil, the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, remaining kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the chickpeas are coated in the dressing.
5. Now, it’s time to assemble! Divide the massaged kale between three plates, creating a beautiful bed for the other ingredients.
6. Top each portion of kale with the chickpea mixture, making sure to distribute it evenly.
7. Slice the remaining half of the avocado and arrange the slices on top of the salads for an added touch of flair.
8. Finally, sprinkle the sunflower seeds over the salads for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado and hearty chickpeas.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors of your Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad!

How to Switch It Up

There are plenty of ways to switch up this Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad to keep it exciting. Here are some tips to customize it to your liking:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The kale will continue to soften, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
• Freezing: This salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the avocado, but the chickpea salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside any main course.
• Adding More Protein: For a heartier meal, consider tossing in some cooked quinoa or topping it with grilled shrimp or chicken.
• Seasonal Variations: Feel free to switch out the seasonal ingredients. In summer, try adding fresh corn or bell peppers; in fall, roasted sweet potatoes work wonders.

Great Combinations for Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad

When it comes to serving the Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad, there are endless possibilities that can elevate your dining experience. Here are some combinations that work beautifully:

• Pair with Grilled Protein: This salad is a fantastic side for grilled chicken, fish, or even tofu. The lightness of the salad complements the rich flavors of grilled dishes.
• Perfect for Lunch Boxes: Pack this salad in a meal prep container for a nutritious lunch that’s easy to take on the go. It holds up well and makes for a satisfying mid-day meal.
• Ideal for Potlucks: Bring this salad to your next gathering! Its vibrant colors and flavors will definitely impress your friends and family.
• Seasonal Favorites: In the spring, serve this salad with fresh asparagus or roasted carrots. In summer, pair it with ripe tomatoes. In the fall, consider adding roasted squash.
• Make it a Main Dish: You can easily turn this salad into a complete meal by adding cooked grains like quinoa or couscous, making it more filling.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Just remember to add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad is more than just a salad; it’s a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together a delightful array of flavors and textures. Whipping this up in your kitchen not only fills your plate with color but also your body with goodness. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a fantastic way to get your greens in while enjoying a delicious meal. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it is to eat!

Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad

The ultimate fresh salad that’s both nutritious and satisfying! The Massaged Kale Chickpea Salad combines tender kale, hearty chickpeas, and creamy avocado, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or as a vibrant side at your next gathering, this salad is a must-try!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 3 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium ripe avocado halved, divided
• 1 medium bunch curly kale rinsed, dried, and stems removed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice from approx. 1 medium lemon, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt divided
• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed (about 1 1/2 cups cooked)
• 1/4 cup diced red onion about 1/4 medium onion
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons roasted salted sunflower seeds

Instructions

 

• Squeeze half the avocado out of its shell and into a large bowl. Mash with a fork. Add the kale, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. And, with clean hands, dig in! Squeeze and rub the kale until it's reduced in size and tender, 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
• To a medium bowl, add the chickpeas, onion, olive oil, the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pure maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until well-combined.
• Divide kale between three plates. Top with chickpeas. Slice remaining avocado and arrange on top of the salads. Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can make the chickpea salad ahead of time, but due to the avocado and the fact that it usually does not keep well, I recommend doing the massaged kale and avocado right before serving.
• Tip 2: For meat option, top meat-eaters’ portions with some cooked, cubed chicken.
• Tip 3: For vegetarian option, top individual portions with 2 tablespoons each crumbled feta.

Keyword Chickpea Salad, Healthy Salad, Kale Salad, Vegetarian Salad

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Meet Camila Rivera

I’m Camila, and I believe the very best meals are the ones that bring the whole family together. My passion is taking classic, beloved dishes and adding a spicy or zesty twist to wake up your palate. I have cooked, tweaked, and taste-tested this recipe right here in my own home kitchen to ensure it works perfectly for you. I hope you enjoy every single bite let me know how it turns out!