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This Crunchy Kale and Quinoa Salad is loaded with wholesome ingredients and bold texture—perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or meal prep staple. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, fluffy quinoa, crisp kale, purple cabbage, carrots, celery, and sliced almonds, it’s tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing, zesty finish. The best part? It keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days (just wait to add the dressing!), making it a go-to for healthy lunches all week long.
Lots to love about this tasty salad. We’ve been having it on repeat this summer. So fresh and delicious! It really does make a great meal prep option. Just add the dressing when you are ready to serve.
If you are watching your calories and fat (and sugar) this Skinny Girl dressing is wonderful on the salad. ๐ It makes it super healthy. ๐
Ingredients
- SALAD INGREDIGENTS:
- 3 C purple cabbage, shredded
- 2 C carrots, shredded
- 4 C kale, chopped
- 3 C celery, chopped
- 1 C green onion, chopped
- 1 C sliced almonds
- 1 (15.5 oz) can of chic peas, drained and rinsed
- DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
- 3 Tb vinegar
- 2/3 C mayo (light or regular)
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 C sugar
- 1/3 C lemon juice (bottled is fine)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 C canola oil
Instructions
- Chop up all your veggies, and drain and rinse the chic peas. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.
- To make the dressing, place all the dressing ingredients into a small blender bottle and blend to combine.
- Store the salad and dressing in the fridge (separately) until ready to serve.
- If you are feeding a crowd, pour all the dressing on the salad at once, toss to combine and serve.ย If you are just eating one portion at a time, dish out what you need and add just that much dressing. Toss to combine.
Enjoy!
Notes
It will keep for 4-5 days. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, with the dressing in a separate container.
How do the textures and nutritional profiles of kale, quinoa, and chickpeas work together to make this salad both satisfying and ideal for meal prep? Retro Bowl College