Kale Salad with Cajun Spiced Chickpeas and Buttermilk Dressing
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
34123 kcal
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Cuisine
Vegetarian, gluten-free
Kale Salad with Cajun Spiced Chickpeas and Buttermilk Dressing
Description
The recipe begins by whisking together the buttermilk dressing ingredients—mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and freshly cracked pepper—to develop a creamy and tangy base. Chickpeas are rinsed and then sautéed in olive oil with a mixture of Cajun spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, thyme, and cracked pepper. This step toasts the chickpeas, providing a crispy exterior and infused flavor.
Rib stems are removed from the kale before thinly slicing the leaves into strips. The kale is washed and drained thoroughly to reduce toughness. Thinly sliced red onion and grated Parmesan cheese are added to bring sharpness and umami respectively. The spiced chickpeas are tossed with the kale and dressed with the chilled buttermilk dressing, creating a salad balanced between creamy, spicy, crunchy, and fresh elements.
A tip included is that premixed Cajun seasoning blends can be substituted for the individual spices; if used, check for salt content and adjust seasoning accordingly. The salad works well as a hearty side or light main salad.
Ingredients
BUTTERMILK DRESSING
- 1/2 cup buttermilk $0.30
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise $0.37
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice $0.07
- 1/4 tsp salt $0.02, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.03
- 1/4 tsp oregano $0.03, dried
- black pepper $0.03, freshly cracked
CAJUN SPICED CHICKPEAS*
- 1 oz. can chickpeas $0.99
- 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
- 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika $0.05
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.03
- 1/8 tsp onion powder $0.02
- 1/4 tsp oregano $0.03, dried
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper $0.02
- 1/8 tsp thyme $0.02, dried
- black pepper freshly cracked
SALAD
- 1 bunch Lacinato kale $1.50, about 1/2 lb
- 1/4 red onion $0.20
- 1.5 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese $0.20, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing first, so the flavors have time to blend. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk dressing ingredients (buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and about 10-15 cranks of a pepper mill). Taste the dressing and add more salt if desired. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
- Drain the chickpeas in a colander and rinse with cool water. Add the olive oil to a non-stick skillet and place over a medium flame. Add the drained chickpeas along with the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, thyme, and another 10-15 cranks of a pepper mill. Sauté the chickpeas and spices for about five minutes, or until the chickpeas are slightly toasted. Remove from the heat.
- Remove the stems from the kale, then slice the kale leaves into thin strips (see step by step photos below for more detail). Rinse the kale with cool water and allow the excess water to drain away. Thinly slice the red onion.
- To build the salad, place the washed kale in a large bowl (or four serving bowls), add the spiced chickpeas, a few slices of red onion, and a light dusting of Parmesan (about 1 tsp per serving). Finally, taste the buttermilk dressing after it has had time to refrigerate and adjust the salt if needed. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and then serve.
Notes
- You can substitute premixed Cajun seasoning (about 1/2 tablespoon) for the individual spices; adjust salt as needed since blends vary in salt content.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 34123 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving | |
| Calories | 341.23kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 27.68g | 9% |
| Protein | 9.83g | 20% |
| Fat | 22.53g | 35% |
| Sodium | 1042.65mg | 43% |
| Fiber | 8.1g | 32% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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