If there’s one stereotype I’m on a mission to debunk, it’s the notion that salads are the poster child for boring and sad meals. We’ve all had that sad iceberg lettuce salad with a few shredded carrots and a tomato. It’s not really satisfying and it definitely doesn’t make you HAPPY. So, I’d like to welcome you to my “NOT Sad Salad Series!” And welcome to this recipe: Vegan Kale and Pasta Salad with Pesto Dressing. This salad has a symphony of textures and nutritional benefits.
I want to shake up the salad world with creations that make you smile, and happy! I like to combine a variety of flavors and textures, making salads fun and always dressed with a homemade dressing. In this salad series you can always expect a salad that is easy to make that incorporates many nutritional elements that work together. You’ll be getting a hefty serving of veggies (some fruits and nuts likely as well!), plant-based protein, and a tasty homemade dressing.
Pasta & Vegetables
Today we're combining 2 wonderful things, pasta and vegetables, in the form of a salad. This salad has a delightful (and hidden veggie heheh) Spinach Pesto Vinaigrette. Some of you may be thinking to yourself, wait Sabrina, why are we putting Spinach in the form of dressing on top of our kale based salad? That's wayyyy too many greens... Well, simply because you can't taste the spinach and why NOT pack in more nutrients to your meal! Plus, the lemon in the pesto vinaigrette helps with the absorption of iron from those leafy greens. (Aka the kale that's used as the base of this salad.)
Nutrition Breakdown
I like using a protein pasta of sorts in this salad. It can be made from lentils, chickpeas, or something else. The reason I use it is to add even more protein to this salad. The roasted chickpeas add a great source of plant based protein already, but I thought why not add more since protein helps keep me more full. Protein also helps with muscle growth and repair.
This salad is also packed with other nutrients from the sweet potato, red pepper, and avocado! Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene which the body converts to Vitamin A (great for vision and skin health and so much more). Red peppers are a Vitamin C powerhouse. Avocados are a source of heart healthy-fats and are loaded with fiber! Let's not forget about kale...
Massaging Kale
Kale, the superstar green of this dish, is not just a trendy leaf. It’s a nutritional powerhouse packed with Vitamins A, K, C, and minerals like calcium and iron. Massaging kale is the secret to turning its tough leaves into tender bites. This makes it more palatable and easier to digest. You massage kale by putting a pinch of salt, squeeze of lemon, or drizzle of olive oil on top. Then you use your hands and give it a massage!
This salad is perfect for the people that say they don't like salads. Why? Because it also has pasta, and who can say no to pasta?! I sure as heck can't! Definitely try this one out, it's delish and a great meal prep lunch!
Kale and Pasta Salad with Pesto Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of kale
- 1 sweet potato diced
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 8 oz of protein pasta of choice
- 1 red pepper
- 1 avocado
Spinach Pesto Viaigrette
- 2 handfuls of spinach
- 2 handfuls of basil
- ⅓ cup good olive oil
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 1 lemon zest
- juice of 1 lemon same lemon as above!
- 1 clove garlic
- salt
Instructions
- Cook your pasta as instructed
- Dice your sweet potatoes and pour your chickpeas in the airfryer with a bit of oil and salt for 400F 15 minutes shaking ½ way through
- Put all ingredients for the spinach pesto vinaigrette in the food processor until combined
- Massage your kale with some salt, lemon, or olive oil and let it sit
- Add all ingredients to your kale and mix in your vinaigrette! Enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed this recipe, let me know what you think below!
If you're looking for another great meal prep salad, check out my white bean kale avocado salad!
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