Description
Lemony Kale, Avocado, and Chickpea Salad is a refreshing, vibrant, and nourishing plant-based dish combining hearty kale, creamy avocado, protein-rich chickpeas, and a zesty lemon dressing. Quick to prepare with no cooking required, this salad offers fresh, lively flavors and textures perfect for a light lunch or dinner, packed with essential nutrients and customizable options.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups fresh kale, rinsed, stems removed, chopped or torn
- 1 ripe but firm avocado, diced
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (natural)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Rinse the kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Chop or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Massage the kale gently with a small pinch of salt until it becomes vibrant and tender, softening its texture and reducing bitterness.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, and stir in the natural gelling agent if you prefer a thicker dressing texture.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the massaged kale with rinsed chickpeas, diced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion. Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately for a crisp texture, or allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Choose sturdy kale varieties like curly or Tuscan kale for best texture.
- Always massage the kale to reduce bitterness and improve tenderness.
- Use ripe but firm avocado for creamy texture without mushiness.
- Rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to improve flavor and digestibility.
- Prepare the dressing fresh before tossing to keep flavors vibrant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking required
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: kale salad, lemon dressing, avocado salad, chickpea salad, plant-based salad, vegan salad, quick salad
