Kale Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing Recipe

A Nutrient-Packed Meal Choice

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Looking for a delicious and nutrient-packed lunch salad? Look no further than this kale salad with creamy cashew dressing! Packed with delicious greens and extra crunch, this salad is perfect for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.

This dish not only offers a remarkable combination of flavors and textures, but it also caters to those following a vegan and gluten-free lifestyle. Packed with an abundance of health benefits, this salad is sure to be a hit for anyone in search of a satisfying and wholesome meal.

The star ingredient of this recipe is kale or with the choice of curly kale, a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When combined with the rich and velvety cashew dressing, the kale truly shines, and the taste will have you craving more. The creamy cashew dressing is not only vegan-friendly but also offers plenty of healthy fats and protein.

To make it, simply chop your salad ingredients into bite-size pieces and toss with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Then, whip up the creamy dressing in a high-speed blender or food processor before storing it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply mix the dressing with your salad and a choice of toppings like Blue Cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

The process of creating this delightful kale salad with a creamy cashew dressing is fairly straightforward, making it a perfect choice for a quick and nourishing meal. With minimal preparation time and easily customizable ingredients, this recipe truly showcases the wonderful versatility and health advantages of kale. Whether you're looking to recreate your favorite restaurant salads (What wine goes well with salads?) or simply enjoy a healthy and delicious meal, this kale salad is sure to hit the spot!

Detailed Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create this delicious Kale Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing, you will need the following ingredients:

• Kale

• 1 cup raw cashews

• 1 cup boiling water for overnight soaking

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 tbsp. lemon juice

• 1 tbsp. tamari or soy sauce (how long does soy sauce last?)

• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp. maple syrup (how long does maple syrup last?)

• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard

• 2 tsp. sesame oil (how long does sesame oil last?)

• 1 tsp. freshly minced ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 avocado

• 1 large carrot

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 gala apple

• 1/4 cup dried cherries (how long do cherries last?)

• 1/4 cup pepitas

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Soak the cashews: In a small bowl, combine raw cashews and boiling water, covering the cashews completely. Let them soak overnight or for at least 6 hours. Once soaked, drain the water and rinse the cashews.

2. Prepare the dressing: In a blender, combine soaked cashews, olive oil, lemon juice, tamari (how long does tamari last?) (or soy sauce), apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, sesame oil, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, as needed. Set aside.

3. Massage the kale: Place the kale in a large bowl, and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt (how long does sea salt last?). Massage the kale with your hands for about 2 minutes, until it becomes tender and slightly wilted.

4. Prepare the vegetables and fruits: Dice the avocado, thinly slice the carrot, and thinly slice the red bell pepper. Thinly slice the gala apple and squeeze a little bit of lemon juice on the slices to prevent browning.

5. Assemble the salad: Add the prepared avocado, carrot, bell pepper, gala apple slices, dried cherries, and pepitas to the massaged kale. Drizzle the desired amount of creamy cashew dressing over the top, and toss to combine.

6. Serve: Enjoy your Kale Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for up to two days for even more flavorful results.

Health Benefits & Nutritional Information

Nutritional Breakdown

This Kale Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing is not only delicious and satisfying but also full of nutrients that are essential for overall health. Here's a brief nutritional breakdown of the salad:

Nutrient Amount per Serving:

• Calories: 350

• Protein: 12g (from chickpeas, cashews, kale)

• Carbohydrates: 45g (from kale, carrots (how long do carrots last?), bell pepper, broccoli, cherry tomatoes)

• Fat: 15g (from cashews, nuts)

• Fiber: 7g (from kale, carrots, nuts, chickpeas)

• Sodium: 300mg (from cashews)

This salad can also be customized with additional ingredients such as gala apples, cooked chicken, or chopped kale to meet different dietary needs. It is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with food sensitivities and allergies.

Health Benefits of Kale and Cashews

The main ingredients – kale and cashews – in this salad offer numerous health benefits:

1. Kale is a nutrient-dense, low-calorie leafy green rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect against certain types of cancer. The fiber in kale promotes digestive health and helps aid weight management, as it is filling and satisfying.

2. Cashews are an excellent source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and are rich in protein, magnesium, and zinc. They contribute to a variety of health benefits, including improved heart health, balanced blood sugar levels, and strengthened immune systems. The creamy cashew dressing in the salad is a vegan and dairy-free way to enjoy a creamy texture without sacrificing nutrition. Additionally, cashews are a great source of energy and can help keep you feeling full longer.

When combined, these ingredients make for a delicious and nutritious salad that can be easily prepared and packed as leftovers in the refrigerator.