Kale & Couscous Salad with Creamy Cashew Dressing
Tender lemon-massaged kale, fluffy couscous, roasted vegetables, and crunchy nuts come together in a deeply satisfying salad. The creamy cashew dressing is dairy-free, silky, and lightly tangy — rich but clean, exactly how modern Mediterranean food should feel.
⏱ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Salad
1 cup couscous
1 cup boiling vegetable stock or water
2 cups kale, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt
Roasted Vegetables
1 small sweet potato or carrot, diced
½ zucchini, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper
Crunch & Freshness
¼ cup toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp dried cranberries or chopped dates
Fresh parsley or mint, chopped
🌰 Creamy Cashew Dressing
¼ cup raw cashews (soaked 30 min)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
1 small garlic clove
3–4 tbsp water (to blend)
Salt to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Couscous
1. Place couscous in bowl with pinch of salt.
2. Pour boiling stock/water over it.
3. Cover and rest 5 minutes.
4. Fluff with fork and drizzle with olive oil.
2️⃣ Roast Vegetables
1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper.
3. Roast 15 minutes until golden and soft.
3️⃣ Massage the Kale (IMPORTANT)
1. Place kale in bowl.
2. Add olive oil lemon juice, and salt.
3. Massage with hands 2–3 minutes until soft and dark green.
4️⃣ Make Cashew Dressing
Blend soaked cashews, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, mustard, water, and salt until completely smooth.
5️⃣ Assemble
1. In a large bowl, combine kale, couscous, and roasted vegetables.
2. Add dried fruit and nuts.
3. Drizzle dressing gradually and toss gently.
4. Finish with fresh herbs.
💡 Chef Tips (What Makes It “Good”)
Kale massage = salad success
Dressing should be pourable, not thick
Couscous should be fluffy, never wet
Balance sweet (dates) with acid (lemon)
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, keeps well for 24 hours.
Protein add-ons?
Roasted chickpeas, grilled halloumi, or chicken.
Gluten-free option?
Use quinoa instead of couscous.
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 420
Protein: 11 g
Carbs: 48 g
Fat: 21 g
Fiber: 7 g