hearty vegetable salad

prep, pack, power up with this nutritious vegatable salad

Tips

massaging your kale

Yes, even vegetables like to be pamperd! Massaging the kale is a crucial step so don’t skip! Why? it helps the kale soften and honestly more edible when its in its raw form. Massage with a little oil and salt before adding to your salad.

use as meal prep base

When I concocted this recipe the whole idea was to eat healthier, and not think about it . The salad can be filling on its own, but to get added protein and nutrients I encourage you to use it as a base. Add protein, grains or more vegetables. Take it from lunch to dinner with larger portions. Don’t be afraid to get creative, think of the salad as your canvas.

hearty vegetable salad

Preparation Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Serving size: 4

Gather

hearty vegetable salad

• 1 15.5-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 4 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons plus 1 pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 5-6 cups kale, stems removed and cut into manageable pieces
• 1 medium shallots, diced
• ½ cup Cotija cheese, feta or your favorite cheese, plus more for garnish if desired

Dressing

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 
• Red pepper flakes to taste (about 2 good shakes)  
• 1 tablespoon honey 
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper 
• Pinch of salt

Follow

1. Arrange oven racks so one is in the second-from-bottom position. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment. 
2. In a bowl, add chickpeas and butternut squash. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil and toss. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
3. Pour mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes. Toss mixture halfway through. Remove and let cool.
4. Massage kale. (Yes, we are messaging the kale. This helps soften it.) Drizzle the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil, and season with a pinch of salt. Gently massage the kale with your hands for 2 minutes to help soften the leaves.
5. Prepare salad dressing: Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk until combined. 
6. Assemble salad in a large bowl for a group or in individual containers for prepping. I like layering kale first, then topping with the roasted squash and chickpeas mixture. Add shallots and cheese. Drizzle with dressing and enjoy! This salad can be enjoyed on its own, with other proteins like tofu and chicken, or grains like quinoa.