Broccoli, cucumber, tomato, chickpeas, olives, kale, fresh herbs, and a refreshing sherry vinaigrette are the main components of this super healthy and delicious salad. While it's hearty enough for a main course, it also makes a great side salad.
Steps
1
Preparing the Salad
Ingredients
1 cup cooked chickpeas (1 - 15 oz can)
1 bunch kale, cleaned and torn into bite-sized pieces
2 to 3 cups romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup sm. dice red onion
20 grape tomatoes, sliced into rounds or in half
1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1 sm. clove garlic, minced
3 tbsp sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp sweetener, such as agave (optional)
sea salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Note: For the broccoli, cut the crown into quite small florets.
Basically, all the vegetables should be roughly the same size so you get a nice mouthful of everything together.
For the Dressing:
Mince the garlic and place into a small bowl or jar. Add the sherry vinegar followed by the olive oil. This dressing is meant to be rather tart; however, the amount of vinegar and oil can be adjusted to your liking.
Next, whisk or shake the jar to combine the ingredients. Then taste for seasoning adding sweetener, salt, and pepper to taste.
2
Assembling the Salad
Ingredients
2 to 4 tbsp fresh herbs (such as basil and parsley)
To assemble the salad, add the kale to a large bowl and add a couple of tablespoons of vinaigrette and gently toss and scrunch the kale with your hands.
Next, add the romaine, broccoli, cucumber, red onions, chickpeas, and another tablespoon or so of the vinaigrette. Gently toss to combine the ingredients.
Next, add the tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs. If using fresh basil, which is really nice, simply tear the leaves into big pieces and add to the salad. For the parsley, just roughly chop and add it to the salad.
Lastly, taste for seasoning, adding a bit of salt and/or pepper as needed.
This delicious salad makes a great meal, or it can be served as a refreshing and healthy side.
