Kale and Couscous Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing

If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant salad that’s not only healthy but also packed with flavor, Kale and Couscous Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing is your new go-to! This salad is a perfect balance of crunchy, tender, and creamy, with hearty couscous and crisp kale. Tossed in a dreamy, velvety cashew dressing, it’s the kind of dish that’s equally satisfying as a light lunch or a side for dinner. The flavors are bright, the textures are on point, and the creamy dressing brings everything together in the best way. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Kale and Couscous Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing

Refreshing and Hearty: This isn’t your typical leafy green salad. The couscous adds a hearty, satisfying texture, while the kale brings that refreshing, slightly bitter crunch. The combination of both makes this salad substantial enough to serve as a main dish or as a perfect side.

Creamy Cashew Dressing: The creamy cashew dressing is rich and indulgent, but it’s completely plant-based. It adds a dreamy, nutty richness that takes the salad to another level. You’ll want to drizzle it over everything!

Nutritious: Kale is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while couscous provides a good source of fiber and protein. This salad packs a punch of nutrients in every bite.

Customizable: You can mix in other veggies, throw in some fruit, or top it with nuts or seeds to add even more texture and flavor. It’s the kind of salad you can easily make your own!

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad comes together in no time. It’s perfect for meal prepping, too—make it ahead and have lunch or dinner ready for the week!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Kale and Couscous Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, nutrient-packed salad:

Kale

The base of this salad! Kale’s earthy, robust flavor and crispy texture make it the perfect salad green. When massaged with the dressing, it softens up a bit, making it more tender and easier to eat.

Couscous

Tiny, light, and fluffy, couscous is a perfect complement to the kale. It’s a great addition that adds a hearty element without weighing down the salad.

Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color to the salad. They pair beautifully with the kale and couscous.

Cucumber

Crisp and cool, cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to balance the heartiness of the kale and couscous.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced, red onion gives the salad a sharp bite that complements the creamy cashew dressing perfectly.

Cashews

These provide the base for the creamy dressing and add a subtle nutty richness that elevates the entire dish.

Olive Oil

A little extra richness and healthy fats for the creamy dressing.

Lemon Juice

The acidity from the lemon juice helps to balance the creaminess of the dressing and brighten up the entire salad.

Nutritional Yeast

For a cheesy, umami flavor that enhances the richness of the dressing. This is optional, but it adds a nice layer of flavor.

Garlic

For a bit of savory depth in the dressing. Garlic brings that perfect aromatic punch that enhances the creamy texture.

Instructions

Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to bring this kale and couscous salad to life!

Prepare the Couscous

Cook the couscous according to the package instructions. Once done, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains, and set it aside to cool slightly.

Massage the Kale

Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Tear or chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the kale and gently massage it with your hands for about 2-3 minutes. This helps soften the kale and make it more tender.

Prepare the Cashew Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine the cashews, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt. Add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired dressing consistency. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the massaged kale, cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss everything together gently to combine.

Add the Dressing

Drizzle the creamy cashew dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly. You can add more dressing to taste, depending on how creamy you like your salad.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, or let the salad chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!

Nutrition Facts

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Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

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How to Serve Kale and Couscous Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing

This salad is perfect on its own or as a side dish to complement your main course. Here are some ideas to round out the meal:

Grilled Chicken or Tofu: For added protein, serve this salad with grilled chicken or tofu. The smoky flavors will contrast beautifully with the creamy dressing.

Avocado: A few slices of creamy avocado would add extra richness and texture to the salad.

Grilled Shrimp or Salmon: Seafood like shrimp or salmon pairs wonderfully with the fresh flavors of the salad.

Whole Grain Bread: Serve the salad with a warm slice of whole grain bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep. The kale will hold up well in the fridge, and the flavors only get better after a day or two. Store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.

Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly! If you’re not into nutritional yeast, you can skip it, or replace it with a tablespoon of tahini for a different creamy flavor.

Add More Veggies: If you’re craving even more veggies, you can add roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or even some shredded carrots to the salad for extra flavor and nutrition.

Dressing Variations: If you want a different twist, you can add a tablespoon of mustard, maple syrup, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a bit of tang or sweetness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?
A1: Absolutely! Quinoa would be a great substitute for couscous. It’s packed with protein and has a slightly nuttier flavor.

Q2: Can I make the salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes, the salad keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Just store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve to keep the kale fresh.

Q3: How can I make the cashew dressing spicier?
A3: You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a splash of sriracha to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Q4: Can I use a different nut for the dressing?
A4: Yes, you can use almonds, cashew butter, or even sunflower seeds as a base for the dressing. Cashews are the creamiest option, but feel free to experiment!

Q5: What if I don’t have a food processor for the dressing?
A5: No worries! You can soak the cashews in warm water for 20-30 minutes to soften them, then blend with a hand blender or whisk by hand (you may need to add more water to get it creamy).

Q6: Can I add fruit to this salad?
A6: Yes! Sliced apples, pears, or even pomegranate seeds would add a nice sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Q7: How can I make this salad gluten-free?
A7: This salad is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure your couscous is labeled gluten-free or swap it for quinoa or rice.

Q8: Can I add nuts or seeds for crunch?
A8: Absolutely! Toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds would be great additions for extra crunch and nutrition.

Q9: Can I use a different green instead of kale?
A9: Yes! Spinach or arugula would be delicious alternatives. Just keep in mind that they don’t need massaging, so you can skip that step.

Q10: How can I make the dressing creamier?
A10: Add more soaked cashews or a little more olive oil to make the dressing thicker and creamier to your liking.

Conclusion

This Kale and Couscous Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing is the kind of dish that will leave you feeling refreshed, nourished, and satisfied. It’s packed with flavor, textures, and goodness that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a side, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll love how vibrant, creamy, and delicious this salad is!

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