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    Home » Recipes » Salad

    Kale Superfood Power Salad

    Dec 19, 2017 by Kaitlin

    A healthy, vegan kale "superfood" power salad with immune-supporting ingredients! Filled with plant-based nourishment to help keep you satisfied yet energized. (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)

    Vegan superfood power salad with beets and chickpeas on a white plate

    This healthy kale "superfood" salad is so fresh and delicious!

    Let's quickly mention the health benefits of kale in particular. Kale (and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage) are an excellent source of many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

    Kale is also rich in particular antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that help protect the lens of the eye and promote eye health.

    So we'll start with a base of nourishing kale, then add several other nutrient-dense foods to help support our immune system and full-body health!

    Chickpeas, onion, carrot, beets, quinoa, and leafy greens ingredients in a bowl

    Ingredients for Kale Superfood Salad

    For this recipe you will toss together in a large bowl:

    • Kale: Use whatever variety of fresh kale you prefer. Either lacinato kale or curly kale leaves will work. Kale is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and calcium.
    • Carrot
    • Garbanzo beans (chickpeas): Or other bean of choice such as cannellini beans, black beans, kidney beans, etc. These add lots of plant-based protein and fiber to the salad.
    • Cooked beets: For convenience, I use pre-cooked packaged organic beets from the brand "Love Beets". However feel free to roast or cook your own if desired.
    • Red onion: Or substitute green onion for a milder onion taste.
    • White quinoa: Oftentimes I cook this ahead of time so it's ready to go. For more flavor, you can use vegetable broth instead of water to cook quinoa.
    • Sunflower seeds: Or stir in pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, etc.
    • Balsamic vinegar: I like the flavor of balsamic in this salad, but you can also use red wine vinegar if you'd like.
    • Dijon mustard
    • Fresh garlic cloves
    Kale salad in a bowl with fork

    Customizing

    Leafy greens: You can also use a base of kale + spinach or other salad greens for more variety.

    Dressing: My quick and easy balsamic dressing is included below. (It is made oil-free with no olive oil.) But change it up with your own favorite if you wish!

    Avocado: This is also great topped with fresh diced avocado right before serving.

    Storing

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. We enjoy them within 2-3 days.

    Storing separately: You can also store the dressing and salad separately. Then simply toss together when ready to serve. This helps keep it fresh and crisp. Otherwise, the kale holds up pretty well. I like mixing it ahead of time because the dressing marinates the veggies and makes it extra-flavorful.

    Kale superfood salad in a bowl with avocado and beets

    For more inspiration, also browse all vegan salad recipes or gluten-free recipes.

    Kale superfood salad in a bowl with avocado and beets

    Kale Superfood Power Salad

    A healthy kale salad with immune-supporting ingredients. Filled with a wide variety of plant-based nourishment, and tossed with a simple balsamic dressing.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 4 large bowls

    Ingredients

    • 1 large bunch kale (curly or lacinato)
    • 1 medium carrot
    • 15 oz. can garbanzo beans
    • 1 cup cooked beets (I use Love Beets organic cooked beets)
    • 1/4 cup red onion
    • 1/2 cup quinoa (or about 1 cup cooked)
    • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
    • Other additions: avocado, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts

    For the balsamic dressing:

    • 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
    • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
    • 1 clove garlic (minced)
    • Salt to taste

    Instructions

    • Rinse and cook quinoa: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup quinoa with 3/4 cup water (or vegetable broth for more flavor). Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid has absorbed.
    • Make dressing: Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
    • Tear kale into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl and gently massage.
    • Thinly slice red onion, dice beets, and grate carrot. Place in bowl with kale.
    • Rinse and drain beans. Add beans and cooked quinoa to bowl.
    • Pour dressing over top and toss gently to thoroughly combine.
    • Top with sunflower seeds (and/or hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, avocado, etc.)

    Notes

    Serving: If enjoying as a small side dish, this can yield about 6-8 servings.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Kale Superfood Power Salad
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    266
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    8
    g
    12
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Potassium
     
    526
    mg
    15
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    41
    g
    14
    %
    Fiber
     
    9
    g
    38
    %
    Sugar
     
    11
    g
    12
    %
    Protein
     
    11
    g
    22
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    4024
    IU
    80
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    21
    mg
    25
    %
    Calcium
     
    93
    mg
    9
    %
    Iron
     
    3
    mg
    17
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this vegan Kale Superfood Power Salad recipe, also feel free to check out:

    • Asian Style Chopped Salad
    • BBQ Chickpea Chopped Salad
    • Super Immunity Power Salad with Chia Seed Dressing

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Salad Recipes

    • Roasted Red Pepper Dressing (Oil-Free)
    • Roasted Chickpea Salad with Hummus
    • Asian-Style Kale & Tofu Salad with Peanut Dressing
    • Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Dill Dressing

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Anne

      March 25, 2022 at 4:54 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for our packed lunches for the week. Absolutely delicious and so healthy! Great recipe!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        March 25, 2022 at 6:21 pm

        Wonderful to hear, Anne!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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