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Kale, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Creamy Garlic Dressing

Kale, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Creamy Garlic Dressing is a delightful and nutritious dish. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side. This salad combines the earthy flavors of kale, the creamy texture of avocados, and the protein-packed chickpeas, all topped with a delicious homemade dressing. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or a tasty treat, this recipe has you covered!

Why Make This Recipe

This salad is not only tasty but also loaded with health benefits. Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, while chickpeas provide a good source of protein and fiber. Avocados add healthy fats, making this salad a well-rounded option. The creamy garlic dressing brings everything together for a burst of flavor. It’s an easy and quick recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy days.

How to Make Kale, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Creamy Garlic Dressing

Ingredients:

1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons lemon juice (for the kale)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice (for the dressing)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons water (or more for desired consistency)

Directions:

Prepare the Kale: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Massage the kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes, or until it softens and darkens slightly.
Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas, diced avocados, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the massaged kale.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy garlic dressing over the kale, chickpea, and avocado mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Add Sunflower Seeds: Sprinkle the sunflower seeds over the salad.
Serve: Serve the salad immediately, or chill for later.

How to Serve Kale, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Creamy Garlic Dressing

This salad is best served fresh. You can enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or as part of a picnic spread. It’s great on its own or paired with grilled chicken or fish.

How to Store Kale, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Creamy Garlic Dressing

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to add the dressing right before serving to keep the ingredients crisp, especially the avocado.

Tips to Make Kale, Chickpea, and Avocado Salad with Creamy Garlic Dressing

Choose ripe avocados for the best flavor and creaminess.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste; feel free to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
If you want extra crunch, try adding other toppings like nuts or seeds.

Variation

You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers. For a protein boost, grilled chicken or feta cheese are excellent options.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance. However, wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve to keep the ingredients fresh and crispy.

2. What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the dressing?

You can substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo or use additional yogurt if you prefer a lighter dressing.

3. Is this salad vegan?

If you use vegan mayonnaise and omit the yogurt, this salad can be made vegan.