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    Hummusapien » Recipes » Salads » Basil Balsamic Chickpea and Kale Salad

    ★★★★★ from 6 reviews

    Basil Balsamic Chickpea and Kale Salad

    Published Jul 17, 2015 · Modified Oct 28, 2021 · by Alexis Joseph · 36 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Basil Balsamic Chickpea and Kale Salad is a quick, healthy, and flavorful salad perfect for a light summer dinner! 

    Basil Balsamic Chickpea & Kale Salad | www.hummusapien.com

    If Columbus had a beach, I would surely bring it this salad.

    I would pack it up in the cutest beachy Tupperware and place it oh-so-neatly atop a red checkered tablecloth in a white wicker basket. Since there would likely be extra space in the picnic basket, I would perhaps pack a bottle of red vino as well. And maybe some crispy crackers with hummus.

    Because what's a beach party (or any party for that matter) without wine and hummus?

    I'm the weird friend that brings a snack and/or meal with me on all my adventures. When I went to Europe last summer, I was known for whipping out a baggie (from my way over-full purse) full of smooshed, melted no-bake bites. They looked like poo. They tasted like heaven. My friends made fun of me, but I think they were just a little jealous.

    So a summer adventure to my fantasy Ohio beach is no different. This salad is perfect for summer soirées because it hits each taste bud in just the right spot and has every exciting flavor and texture known to womankind.

    First we've got our super nutrient-dense kale (which is pretty much there for color and nutrition and pretty meh in the texture department), our sweet, chewy dried cranberries, crisp red onion, creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and fresh basil.

    Basil Balsamic Chickpea & Kale Salad | www.hummusapien.com

    I think fresh basil is one of my favorite things about summer besides ice cream and cherries and pools and hotness. It has an unparalleled fresh flavor that pairs magically with so many different things. It's not just for fresh mozz, my friends! Toss a handful in a salad, in vegan lasagna, or even in your H20 with some sliced cucumber. Nom.

    This salad would be amazing with my balsamic vinaigrette, too!

    Plus, since it's a salad, you'll still feel super cute in your bikini after scarfing down three servings. Perf!

    So what if my summer adventure means going to a pool full of children rather than riding the waves in an exotic wonderland? As long as I've got good food in my belly and good friends to laugh with, I'm a happy Hummusapien.

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    Basil Balsamic Chickpea and Kale Salad

    ★★★★★ 5 from 6 reviews
    • Author: Alexis Joseph | Hummusapien
    • Prep Time: 10 mins
    • Total Time: 10 mins
    • Yield: 4-6 1x
    • Category: Salad
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    A quick, healthy, and flavorful kale salad with protein-packed chickpeas, fresh basil, and crunchy almonds. Perfect for a light summer dinner! Vegan and gluten-freel


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    For the dressing:

    • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
    • 1 tsp salt
    • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

    For the salad:

    • 1 ½ bunches kale, stems removed and chopped
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 2 15oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • ½ cup chopped basil
    • ½ cup dried cranberries
    • 1 cup diced red onion
    • ½ cup roasted and salted almonds, roughly chopped
    • 1 avocado, cubed (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Place the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
    2. Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt. Massage salt into leaves until kale softens and turns a bit darker in color.
    3. In a medium bowl, combine chickpeas, basil, cranberries, red onion, almonds, and avocado. Toss to combine. Dump mixture into bowl with chopped kale.
    4. Add dressing and stir to combine. Serve with additional almonds on top.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

     

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Heather B says

      February 26, 2018 at 10:27 pm

      Hi! I came across this recipe on Pinterest and made it today for my lunches this week at work. Holy yum!!! This salad is super delicious and I know it will be a great go to for this summer as well.
      I was curious, however, what the nutritional values of this salad is and also how much would you consider as 1 serving. 🙂
      Thank you so much!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        February 27, 2018 at 10:36 am

        Awesome! It's one of my favorites. I don't calculate nutrition information for a variety of reasons but feel free to enter the recipe into a nutrition calculator like My Fitness Pal. I would say a serving is different for everyone, and to eat until you're satisfied. Per the recipe, it serves 4-6 depending on if it's a main dish or side dish.

        Reply
    2. Heather B says

      February 26, 2018 at 10:27 pm

      Hi! I came across this recipe on Pinterest and made it today for my lunches this week at work. Holy yum!!! This salad is super delicious and I know it will be a great go to for this summer as well.
      I was curious, however, what the nutritional values of this salad is and also how much would you consider as 1 serving. 🙂
      Thank you so much!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        February 27, 2018 at 10:36 am

        Awesome! It's one of my favorites. I don't calculate nutrition information for a variety of reasons but feel free to enter the recipe into a nutrition calculator like My Fitness Pal. I would say a serving is different for everyone, and to eat until you're satisfied. Per the recipe, it serves 4-6 depending on if it's a main dish or side dish.

        Reply
    3. Erin C says

      June 21, 2017 at 9:24 am

      made this for dinner and it turned out super yummy. I ended cutting the oil, cranberries and almonds in half to cut some of the fat and sugar and i didn't even notice...i will DEF make this again. it tasted so fresh and healthy! =)

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Erin C says

      June 21, 2017 at 9:24 am

      made this for dinner and it turned out super yummy. I ended cutting the oil, cranberries and almonds in half to cut some of the fat and sugar and i didn't even notice...i will DEF make this again. it tasted so fresh and healthy! =)

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Yasmina says

      January 04, 2017 at 4:42 pm

      Hello
      This sounds amazing !!
      Would it be ok to replace the maple syrup by golden syrup ?
      Thanks again for this beautiful recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 05, 2017 at 2:09 pm

        I don't see why not! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Yasmina says

      January 04, 2017 at 4:42 pm

      Hello
      This sounds amazing !!
      Would it be ok to replace the maple syrup by golden syrup ?
      Thanks again for this beautiful recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        January 05, 2017 at 2:09 pm

        I don't see why not! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Susan says

      March 20, 2016 at 9:02 am

      I have concern/question about the amount of chickpeas listed in the recipe, 2-125oz cans? As much as I love chickpeas that seems a bit much.

      Reply
    8. Susan says

      March 20, 2016 at 9:02 am

      I have concern/question about the amount of chickpeas listed in the recipe, 2-125oz cans? As much as I love chickpeas that seems a bit much.

      Reply
    9. Erika says

      September 28, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      Hi lady! Just wanted to let you know I made this salad last night for a potluck I hosted at my house and it was deeeeee-licious!! I've already been asked by three of the women for the recipe. I only wish I had made a double batch because it would have been awesome to have leftovers for lunch today. Thanks for the great recipe!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 29, 2015 at 9:29 pm

        Wowza! That's so fabulous to hear, Erika! Thanks for letting me know 🙂

        Reply
    10. Erika says

      September 28, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      Hi lady! Just wanted to let you know I made this salad last night for a potluck I hosted at my house and it was deeeeee-licious!! I've already been asked by three of the women for the recipe. I only wish I had made a double batch because it would have been awesome to have leftovers for lunch today. Thanks for the great recipe!

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        September 29, 2015 at 9:29 pm

        Wowza! That's so fabulous to hear, Erika! Thanks for letting me know 🙂

        Reply
    11. Sarah | Well and Full says

      July 20, 2015 at 3:54 pm

      This looks great! I absolutely love fresh basil from the farmer's market, and I bet the balsamic dressing compliments it perfectly 🙂

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 20, 2015 at 6:16 pm

        Mmmm basil from the farmer's market would really put this on top!

        Reply
    12. Sarah | Well and Full says

      July 20, 2015 at 3:54 pm

      This looks great! I absolutely love fresh basil from the farmer's market, and I bet the balsamic dressing compliments it perfectly 🙂

      Reply
      • Alexis says

        July 20, 2015 at 6:16 pm

        Mmmm basil from the farmer's market would really put this on top!

        Reply
    13. Tara says

      July 19, 2015 at 1:39 pm

      Pretty sure the only ingredient I need to buy for this is kale, as i always have all the other stuff around! This is going to be this week's lunch, looks delish!

      Reply
    14. Tara says

      July 19, 2015 at 1:39 pm

      Pretty sure the only ingredient I need to buy for this is kale, as i always have all the other stuff around! This is going to be this week's lunch, looks delish!

      Reply
    15. Lacey @ Runs and Roses says

      July 17, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      This sounds like the perfect beach picnic salad. I loveeee it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Lacey @ Runs and Roses says

      July 17, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      This sounds like the perfect beach picnic salad. I loveeee it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    17. Beverley @ sweaty&fit says

      July 17, 2015 at 11:48 am

      oh mannn these are my FAVORITE kinds of salads. ones completely covered in nuts and cranberries and tossed in a homemade dressing. i cant wait to try this!

      Reply
    18. Beverley @ sweaty&fit says

      July 17, 2015 at 11:48 am

      oh mannn these are my FAVORITE kinds of salads. ones completely covered in nuts and cranberries and tossed in a homemade dressing. i cant wait to try this!

      Reply
    19. Rachel @ athletic avocado says

      July 17, 2015 at 11:24 am

      Love that you made a homemade dressing, balsamic is my fav! I love how those almonds are like healthy croutons, gotta have that crunch!

      Reply
    20. Rachel @ athletic avocado says

      July 17, 2015 at 11:24 am

      Love that you made a homemade dressing, balsamic is my fav! I love how those almonds are like healthy croutons, gotta have that crunch!

      Reply
    21. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      July 17, 2015 at 11:18 am

      Fresh basil is the best! Really, I'm loving any fresh herb right now! Currently my fridge reeks of Dill, hahaha!

      Reply
    22. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      July 17, 2015 at 11:18 am

      Fresh basil is the best! Really, I'm loving any fresh herb right now! Currently my fridge reeks of Dill, hahaha!

      Reply
    23. Julia says

      July 17, 2015 at 9:10 am

      Now all I can think about is taking the rest of the day off and eating this delish salad at the lake. It looks soooo good! Always a fan of a hearty salad I can pack up and take with me, and I'm loving this idea of basil with my kale. Hope you have a great weekend, dear!

      Reply
    24. Julia says

      July 17, 2015 at 9:10 am

      Now all I can think about is taking the rest of the day off and eating this delish salad at the lake. It looks soooo good! Always a fan of a hearty salad I can pack up and take with me, and I'm loving this idea of basil with my kale. Hope you have a great weekend, dear!

      Reply
    25. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

      July 17, 2015 at 8:13 am

      This looks SO good! I love a kale salad with some crunch to it!

      Reply
    26. Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says

      July 17, 2015 at 8:13 am

      This looks SO good! I love a kale salad with some crunch to it!

      Reply
    27. Erin @ The Almond Eater says

      July 17, 2015 at 6:10 am

      This salad has everything I love in it--everythingggggg, including maple syrup in the dressing? Sounds amaze.

      Reply
    28. Erin @ The Almond Eater says

      July 17, 2015 at 6:10 am

      This salad has everything I love in it--everythingggggg, including maple syrup in the dressing? Sounds amaze.

      Reply

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    Well HELLO there, pal! I'm Alexis. Welcome to Hummusapien, a fantastical food blog brimming with nourishing (always delish!) recipes from a Registered Dietitian plus life tidbits to inspire you to live your most joyful, balanced life. Grab a super hot cup o' joe and let's get cookin'.

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