This is a flavorful salad that incorporates all the goodness of leafy greens, legumes, and berries. It makes a wonderful side dish, an excellent potluck contribution, or even a main dish served on a bed of quinoa. It is a nutrient dense dish full of gut healthy fiber and colorful phytonutrients. Kale is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, B vitamins, beta carotene (the precursor to vitamin A), calcium, manganese, and selenium. The carrots are also rich in beta carotene while the blueberries bring in those powerful anthocyanins. The chickpeas are high in fiber, minerals, and folate, plus they are an excellent source of plant protein. The garlic adds even more antioxidants to the dish especially that health superstar, allicin. The salad supports the body in multiple ways including improving digestion and the gut microbiome, supporting the cardiovascular system, protecting from cancer, and helping with blood sugar control.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Serves
4-6
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 T lemon juice
- 1 T extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 cups shredded kale
- 2 T extra virgin olive oil
- ½ red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 2 T lemon juice fresh squeezed
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Steps
1
In a small bowl, mix the chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, 1 T olive oil, ¼ tsp sea salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Set aside for at least 10 minutes so the chickpeas absorb the flavor.
2
In a large bowl, toss the kale with 2 T olive oil and massage for several minutes until the kale is bruised, darker, and reduced in volume by approximately one half.
3
Add the onion, carrots, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and toss well.
4
Add the chickpea mixture and toss to distribute.
5
Add the blueberries and toss gently to distribute the berries without crushing them.
Everyone loves this salad, even people who think they don’t like kale! It is colorful and super nutritious. Plus, it’s very easy to make but looks impressive!
Let me know if you try this and what you think!
Leave a Reply