A showstopping kale salad with tandoori masala-roasted chickpeas, massaged kale, candied pecans, and a 5-minute smoky adobo dressing. Just 8 ingredients and 30 minutes required for this plant-based, gluten-free main or side.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add drained and dried chickpeas to a mixing bowl and toss with oil and seasonings. Then add to a baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chickpeas are slightly crispy and slightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside.
Optional: While the chickpeas are baking, prepare candied pecans. If using our recipe, omit the walnuts and just use pecans. We made a half batch, so 1 cup of pecans total (adjust amounts if adjusting serving size).
To assemble salad, add kale to a serving bowl or platter and massage with a little lime juice and oil for 1 minute to tenderize. Then top with roasted chickpeas, grape tomatoes, and candied pecans (optional) and drizzle with the dressing. Toss to coat.
Best when fresh. Store leftovers (pecans and dressing each stored separately) in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Not freezer friendly.
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Notes
*I bought my Tandoori Masala Spice blend at Whole Foods (it's the Whole Foods Market brand), but you can also make your own: 3 Tbsp cumin, 2 Tbsp garlic powder, 2 Tbsp paprika, 3 tsp ginger, 2 tsp coriander, 2 tsp cardamom. Multiply as needed. This Shawarma Spice Blend is also delicious and quite similar. *Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with 2 tablespoons of dressing per serving and without optional ingredients.