Superfood Kale Salad with Roasted Veggies and Chickpeas

Jump to Recipe

This superfood kale salad is packed with veggies! It has oven roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and chickpeas, carrots and massaged kale all tossed in a sweet and savory, extra creamy orange and mint laced tahini dressing.

Overhead view of a huge platter of kale salad with roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts, chickpeas and creamy tahini dressing

What is a Superfood?

"Superfood" is essentially a marketing term that was created to promote certain foods as being extremely nutritious and powerful at preventing disease. Foods with high levels of antioxidants, fiber and vitamins and minerals are believed to positively influence health outcomes and longevity. Hence the name superfood was born.

Foods like dark leafy greens, beans and legumes, and cruciferous vegetables are all considered superfoods when examined by this criteria. Kale, cauliflower, tahini and chickpeas all bring healthy doses of fiber, iron and substances believed to be cancer fighting.

Why you'll love this Superfood Kale Salad

Full of veggies: get your 5 servings in one meal!
Lots of texture: tender kale, crunchy carrots and roasted veggies and chickpeas are like a party in your mouth
Easy to make. Roast all the veggies together with the chickpeas on one sheet pan.
Vegan, Gluten-free and Dairy free recipe
Creamy dreamy dressing has no dairy
Full of fiber!
Great for meal prep. Make this salad and eat it for days

Kale Tip:

The best way to clean kale is to submerge in water. I like to fill my biggest pot with cold water and press the kale leaves under the water. Any dirt, bugs or debris will fall to the bottom. Then lift the leaves out, place in a strainer and repeat until the water is clear.

overhead view of superfood kale salad with roasted vegetables and chickpeas

Superfood Kale Salad Ingredients

This salad has so many tasty ingredients. For me, this is a Spring salad, as the crucifers really seem to be popping at this time of year. But really, thanks to modern grocers, you can eat this one year round.

Kale: Makes the base of this salad
Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts: These crucifers make this salad recipe extra filling
Balsamic Vinegar- adds a little tang to the roasted veggies
Carrots- Adds some crunch
Chickpeas: Oven crisped makes them super meaty
Spices: garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper
Tahini- Ground sesame seed paste is so creamy
Lemon and Orange- adds a citrusy edge to the dressing
Mint- Super fresh addition to the dressing
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Time Saving tip: Most of the ingredients in this recipe can be purchased already prepared! Cauliflower florets, halved brussels sprouts, shredded carrots and chopped, prewashed and chopped kale are available in bags in many markets for convenience. If buying prepared produce will help you eat your veggies, I say go for it. Purchasing them already chopped will save you lots of time and if you aren't able to chop due to disability or simply don't love cooking, they can be a life-saver!

flatly of the ingredients for superfood kale salad

How to make Superfood Kale Salad

This salad is really quite easty to make. Like most of my recipes, there are no fancy techniques. It is beginner friendly.

First you will season the cauliflower, brussels sprouts and chickpeas with salt, garlic powder, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and smoked paprika and roast them on a sheet pan for 30 minutes.
Next while those are cooking massage the kale and carrots with olive oil and salt and let them relax.
Then make the dressing in a blender by adding the tahini, mint, orange, lemon, water and salt. Blend until smooth.
Combine the roasted ingredients with the kale and carrots, toss with the dressing and serve.

Tips for Making the Best Superfood Kale Salad with roasted vegetables

Customize it, add whatever veggies you have on hand or substitute any you don't like. Add shredded purple cabbage, roasted peppers, broccoli or sweet potato.
Add more protein: Tofu, tempeh or seitan can help you meet your daily protein goals.
Switch out the herbs. Cilantro, parsley or dill will make the dressing delicious too.
Add nuts like slivered almonds for crunch or dried fruit like apricots for sweetness

FAQs

I don't like Kale, what should I substitute?

While I strongly encourage you to try massaged kale, because it's a whole new experience, I understand some people just don't like it. So you should use a crispier lettuce like romaine or use a combo of red and green cabbage. If using lettuce, be sure to keep the dressing separate until serving,

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes! Simply omit the oil from the roasted vegetables. The combo of balsamic vinegar and spices is sufficient for roasting. Also when massaging the kale, use an additional half of a lemon instead of extra olive oil. Just squeeze the lemon, add the salt and massage the kale. The dressing is already oil free.

I am allergic to sesame seeds, can I sub anything?

Since sesame tahini is made with sesame seeds, you will need to substitute almond butter or sunflower butter for the tahini. It will change the flavor but it will still taste good. Or peruse this roundup of 22 vegan dressings and choose one you like better.

Can I make this salad recipe ahead?

This salad is at its best quality on day one, but is ok for leftovers. However be aware that cauliflower and brussels sprouts have a stronger odor on day 2. Don't be alarmed when you open the refrigerator or container and smell them. It will be quite strong but they are still ok to eat for up to 3 days. If you want to make it for a party, I suggest preparing the ingredients but not cooking them until the day of the soiree.

Other Delicious Kale Salad Recipes

Love this recipe? Drop a comment below to share your experience with others!

Craving more? Explore all of my free ebooks or come hang out with over 1 million other plant-based foodies on Instagram!