Crunchy Chickpea and Kale Salad
Enjoy this 30-minute Crunchy Chickpea and Kale Salad that’s both tasty and nutritious, thanks to its crispy chickpeas, tender kale leaves, and fresh ingredients.
If you’re looking for a salad that’s both satisfying and nutritious, this Crunchy Chickpea and Kale Salad is a great choice. Not only is it bursting with vibrant colours and flavours, but it’s also packed with a range of healthy ingredients. What’s more? This 30-minute Crunchy Chickpea and Kale Salad is perfect for busy weeknights or weekday lunches.
Eat your greens
In this Crunchy Chickpea and Kale Salad, these ingredients work together to create a flavourful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for a filling, healthy meal. Chickpeas offer protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, while kale rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K. Lastly the dates contain fibre, potassium, and magnesium. We pair this salad with two dressings, one to brighten the kale, and soften the leaves, and the other to add creaminess and richness.
But that’s not all!
This salad is a delicious and nutritious choice thanks to the combination of crunchy chickpeas, earthy kale, and sweet dates. The chickpeas provide a satisfying crunch to the dish, while the kale’s flavour profile adds a delightful earthy taste. In addition the natural sweetness of dates complements the other ingredients perfectly and is loaded with fibre and essential minerals.
Furthermore, this blend of ingredients offers a valuable source of vital vitamins and minerals, making it a nourishing and gratifying meal. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, this salad is a fantastic choice for anyone.
It’s a date.
Crunchy Chickpea and Kale Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a meal on its own or as a side dish. The balance of textures, and flavours makes this recipe both filling and moreish. Additionally, the tangy and sweet dressings add a perfect touch to this dish, making it ideal for winter feasts or summer BBQs.
Alternatively, you can prepare this salad ahead and pack it for an on-the-go lunch at work. Simply prep your salad the night before and add the dressing 5 minutes before eating.
Overall, this Crunchy Chickpea and Kale Salad is a versatile and nutritious meal that offers a good amount of plant-based protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Whether as a side dish or a main course, this salad can be a satisfying and healthy option for any mealtime.
There’s more…
From refreshing summer salads to hearty winter sides, there’s something for everyone. Try our Broccoli & Crispy Grain Salad for a light and flavourful lunch, or our Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes for a colourful and satisfying side dish. And if you’re in the mood for something a little different, our Vegan Risotto Balls are sure to delight your taste buds. Explore our salads and sides today and discover new ways to make healthy eating enjoyable.
We would love to hear your feedback on this recipe! Please leave a comment and rate it to let us know how it turned out for you. And if you share a photo of your creation on Instagram, don’t forget to tag us with #theculinarycartel. Watch the video here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to massage the kale?
Massaging kale makes it tender and reduces bitterness, transforming it into a more enjoyable and nutritious salad. It breaks down tough fibres and brings out the natural sweetness and flavour of the leaves.
Why add crispy chickpeas to the salad?
Crispy chickpeas add plant-based protein, a healthy alternative to croutons, and a satisfying crunch to the kale salad. This enhances both the flavour and nutritional value of the dish.
Why does my air fryer take longer to cook than yours?
Like ovens, all air fryers are different and have different intensities. Use the recipe to guide you, and then keep cooking if you need more time in your model.
Can I add meat to my salad?
Yes, you can certainly add meat to your salad. Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even salmon would be great options to add some extra protein to the dish.
Crunchy Chickpea and Kale Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2 - 3
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this 30-minute Crunchy Chickpea and Kale Salad that’s both tasty and nutritious, thanks to its crispy chickpeas, tender kale leaves, and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 Bunch Kale or Cavolo Nero (250g)
- Handful, roughly 130g Dates
- 1 tin chickpeas
- Olive oil for dressing the chickpeas
Lemon dressing
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon (about 40ml)
- 1/4 cup rapeseed (and a dash more to coat chickpeas)
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 Tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
Tahini dressing
- 3 tbsp Tahini
- 1 Tsp Honey
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 clove garlic
- Half a lemon
- 2–4 tbsp (depending on the thickness of your tahini)
Instructions
- Drain the chickpeas, and toss with a little olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven or air fry at 180°C, for 10-15 minutes or until really crisped and golden.
- To a large jar, add lemon juice, rapeseed oil, honey, dijon and a whole clove of garlic. Shake it up and allow it to rest to infuse the dressing lightly with the garlic.
- Make the honey tahini dressing by grating the garlic into a bowl. Squeeze over the lemon and allow to sit for 3 minutes to mellow the raw garlic. Add the tahini and honey and stir together, then slowly stir in the water. Initially, the tahini will thicken and seize, but keep stirring and adding water until the dressing loosens, to a pourable and spreadable consistency. Season well with salt to taste.
- Prepare your kale by removing the woody stems, and chopping the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Remove the garlic cloves from your lemon dressing. Into a large bowl, add your kale. Pour the dressing over the leaves and massage the kale. Massaging the kale will soften the leaves (even kale is more relaxed after a massage)
- Roughly chop the dates and add these to the salad. Add the crispy chickpeas, reserving a few for garnish and toss to combine.
- Smear the tahini dressing on the bottom of a large serving platter or divide it between serving bowls, place your kale salad on top and finish with a sprinkle of crispy chickpeas. Serve immediately.
Notes
Chefs tip: Keep the stems in the fridge for another recipe. Slice them up and gently sauté then add to stir-fries, omelettes or your green veggies at dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salads & Sides
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Salad
