It's the middle of October and I'm still eating salads. What else is new, right? Okay, I do eat fall appropriate food too. I've actually been making lots of fall/winter recipes lately (!!) that will reach you during November and December and I'm pretty excited about them. But, you know, I do love my salads. No matter what the temperature is. This one is especially delicious because it's made of all my favorite things and it's drowned drizzled with garlicky cashew dressing aka the best dressing ever. It's also quite spicy so that kind of makes it appropriate for fall. Sort of. Either way, does anyone really care? Salads are always a good idea so let's go eat some kale together.
This month has been pretty challenging so far. Picture Elle Woods from the first Legally Blonde movie where she's throwing those chocolates at the TV after she broke up with Warner. Got the picture? Yep, that's basically me throwing chocolates at my life. That being said, it's all good now because I have some positive news! I have a new job!! I got the job I was telling you about at the beginning of October. YAY! I'm starting in in November at an Armani store which isn't actually there yet so we're all gonna be new employees. I'm pretty excited. That's also why I've been taking pictures like crazy for the past two weeks because I wanna get ahead with posts (ideally two months). I'm trying to step up my editorial calendar and get better at planning stuff. It's always good to be ahead a few weeks in case something comes up. Plus I'm going to be working full time this time so I don't know how well I'm gonna be able to manage my time so I wanna be prepared.
Not only am I trying to get 2 months ahead, I'm also planning TWO posts every week instead of just one. I'm really pumped about that, I can't wait to share all the recipes with you!! I already have 11 done (okay not done done, I haven't edited them yet and neither have I written the post but the photos are there so that's the first step done), I'm shooting two more tomorrow and then more during the weekend. I really wanna be more active on the blog. The goal is three posts a week but I don't see that happening anytime soon. First, two posts a week, then hopefully a Youtube channel (shhhhhh...), then successfully managing everything, and then maybe three posts a week. I do believe in quality over quantity and I know you do too.
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Let's get back to the recipe. I didn't actually include the exact recipe for the oven baked veggie chips I added to the salad because I'm going to post that recipe separately to avoid this one being too long. It's super easy, though! Basically, you just slice your sweet potatoes or beets really thinly using a mandoline and bake them in the oven at 120C with the fan on for about 50 minutes flipping them every 10-15 minutes. You have to be patient with them and bake them at a somewhat low temperature as they burn quickly when the temperature is too high. I also find that they don't stay crunchy for very long when you bake them at a higher temperature.
I added beans to the salad, spicy salsa, guacamole, cherry tomatoes, kale, carrots, quinoa, and, the best part, cashew dressing (!!). I'm calling all the cashew lovers out there because only you can understand my current obsession with cashews. I didn't use to like them all that much to be honest. They were always just kind of there. But oh man, am I obsessed now. It started with my raw birthday cheesecake in September (not homemade), then I finally tried making savory cashew dressing at home and I was immediately sold for life. You won't understand until you try it, it's almost life changing.
📖 Recipe
Mexican Kale Salad with Cashew Dressing
- Yield: 2-3 1x
- Category: salad
Ingredients
Cashew Dressing:
Spicy Salsa:
- 10 cherry tomatoes (or 2-3 regular tomatoes), chopped into small chunks
- dash of sea salt
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, stems removed
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ chili (optional)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Salad:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (½ cup raw)
- 1 bunch of kale (4-5 stalks), stems removed and shredded
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ avocado, mashed (to make guacamole: sea salt & pepper to taste, and a squeeze of lime juice)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1-2 medium carrots, grated
- oven dried veggie chips (optional)
Instructions
- First, make the cashew dressing following the recipe I linked to.
- Then make the spicy salsa. In a small bowl, mix all the salsa ingredients and you're done. Set aside.
- Start putting the salad together.
- Mix the quinoa, kale and romaine together in a big enough bowl. Add about 2-3 tablespoon of the dressing and mix.
- Divide the greens and quinoa between two bowls and start topping them with the rest of the ingredients.
- Add the guacamole, salsa, about 2-3 tablespoon of the beans to each bowl, then the cherry tomatoes, the grated carrot, and the chips if using.
- Drizzle with more dressing and enjoy!
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rachel says
That's so pretty! I think the veggie chips really make this pop visually, and what a great crunch they'd add.
thehealthfulideas says
Thank you! I know, right? They're awesome :)
Melanie says
This looks absolutely DELICIOUS! I'll definitely have to try making this soon.
thehealthfulideas says
Yay I'm happy you like it!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Yummy! I love all the ingredients. Can't wait to make it!
thehealthfulideas says
Hope you love it! :)
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says
You had me at spicy salsa! I'm always looking for a way to add a little spice to salad, so this is right up my alley. :)
thehealthfulideas says
Haha that makes two of us! :) This salad is definitely one of my favorites.
Anna says
Ok this looks amazing - I'm obsessed with Mexican salads right now but I think you've just taken my obsession to a whole new level.. cannot wait to try it out!
thehealthfulideas says
Haha I'm happy to hear that! :) It's really delicious, hope you love it!
Lauren says
This looks amazing! My mouth is watering. Pinning for later :)
thehealthfulideas says
Thank you, Lauren :)
Aish says
Great shots. In love with the salad already. Yum
thehealthfulideas says
Thank you, I appreciate it! :)
Ashley | Spit Up And Sit Ups says
Can't wait to try this dressing!
thehealthfulideas says
You really should, it's the best! :)
Mamaguru says
Looks so vibrant and healthy! I'd love to try it!
thehealthfulideas says
Please do, it's so delicious! :)
Jenna says
This salad makes my tummy growl! It is so beautiful. I bet it's as delicious as it looks. Good luck at your new job!
thehealthfulideas says
Thank you so much! :) And it definitely is delicious, the chips are my favorite part tbh.
Julie says
This garlicky cashew dressing looks heavenly! Love your pics and all the colors. Can't wait to try this!
thehealthfulideas says
Oh it's so good, you have to try it! Thank you so much :)
Jennifer @NourishedSimply says
This is one of the prettiest salads I have seen. I love all the colors.
thehealthfulideas says
Thank you so much, Jennifer! :)
Amanda says
How fabulous does this look!! Oh my goodness!! And the cashew dressing....yes! Yummy! Thanks for posting this!
thehealthfulideas says
Thank you so much, Amanda! I'm glad you like it! :)