Description
Kale and Couscous Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing is a nutritious and flavorful dish combining hearty kale, fluffy couscous, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, dairy-free cashew-based dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups kale, chopped and stems removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for massaging kale)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or sunflower seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Creamy Cashew Dressing:
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place couscous in a bowl, pour boiling water over it, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- Meanwhile, place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and massage the kale for 1-2 minutes until tender.
- To make the dressing, drain soaked cashews and blend with water, lemon juice, vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- In the bowl with kale, add couscous, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and almonds or seeds (if using).
- Pour the cashew dressing over the salad and toss well to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Make it ahead: The salad and dressing can be stored separately for up to 3 days.
- Customize with seasonal veggies or your favorite herbs.
- Add chickpeas or grilled tofu for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: kale salad, couscous salad, cashew dressing, vegan salad, healthy lunch, plant-based