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: Wild Rice Kale Salad with Green Goddess Vegan 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.

Kale: Massaging & Nutrition

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, making it more palatable and easier to digest.

The other half of the base for this salad is butter lettuce, which provides a nice light contrast to the kale.

Other Ingredients Nutrition & Texture Profiles in this Wild Rice Kale Salad

The chickpeas are a great plant-based protein and fiber. They add a crunchy texture and are great for keeping you full and satisfied. All of the fresh herbs in the green goddess dressing provide their own variety of nutrients.

The hemp, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds add a nice crunch. They also have a myriad of nutritional benefits. Hemp seeds are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for brain health. Meanwhile, sunflower seeds add vitamin E, an important antioxidant. This combination not only elevates the salad's nutritional profile but also its texture and flavor.

Storage

This salad whole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days (that's when it started to be a bit more soggy).

I would recommend storing everything except the dressing in 1 container. This can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge if not mixed with the dressing. The dressing can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge or 2-4 months in the freezer. I like putting some of the dressing in freezer cubes to have servings of dressings ready!

Wild Rice Kale Apple Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

This wild rice kale salad is perfect for the fall with apples and chickpeas. The vegan homemade green goddess dressing is so fresh and creamy

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Salad

Servings 4

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

1 bunch kale chopped
1 large honeycrisp apple diced
⅔ cup wild rice cooked
1 15 oz can chickpeas rinsed and drained
⅓ cup golden raisins
⅓ cup hemp seeds
⅓ cup pumpkin seeds

Vegan Green Goddess Dressing (makes a bit more than needed for this recipe)

¼ cup tahini
1 lemon juiced
¾ cups fresh cilantro leaves and stems
¾ cups fresh parsley leaves and stems
½ cup fresh dill leaves and stems
1 green onion chopped
1 garlic cloves
3 tbps-½ cup water depending on how thick you'd like it
½ salt

Instructions

Prepare your rice as instructed on package, this will take the longest amount of time.
Chop your kale and apple then add it to a bowl with the rinsed and drained chickpeas, golden raisins, hemp seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
To prepare your dressing, rinse all of your fresh herbs then add them to a blender along with your tahini, chopped green onion, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Add in ⅓ cup water to start. Then blend until incorporated. You can add more water until you reach your desired thickness.
Once the rice is done, add it to your bowl filled with kale then top with your dressing and enjoy!
Storage: The can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days (that's when I started to be a bit more soggy). I would recommend storing everything except the dressing in 1 container (can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge) then your dressing in another container. The dressing can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge or 2-4 months in the freezer. I like putting some of the dressing in freezer cubes to have many servings of dressings ready!

I hope you enjoyed this recipe. Don't forget to rate and review below! And if you're looking for another salad recipe, check out my roasted veggies salad with a simple lemon dressing.