This salad is simple, requiring just 30 minutes to prepare.
I hemmed and hawed as to whether or not to include both of the dressings for this salad. And after experimentation, I concluded that both are necessary!
I know it’s not very minimalist to have two dressings for one salad, but the flavor combination is incredible, and we still stay within the 30-minute limit!
The base of this salad is crunchy kale dressed in a light tahini-lemon-maple dressing. Next comes cooked lentils for plenty of plant-based protein and fiber.
While that’s happening, vegetables tossed in curry powder are roasted away to perfection, and my NEW favorite dressing is made.
The base is my Green Curry Paste (which is a fusion of Thai green curry paste and whole Indian spices for maximum flavor), thinned with lemon juice and sweetened with maple syrup. The result is a tangy, sweet, extremely vibrant curry dressing that’s perfect for everything – especially this salad.
Ingredients
VEGETABLES
- Four medium carrots (cut into bite-size pieces // ~ 2 cups as the original recipe is written)
- 2 Tbsp avocado or melted coconut oil (divided)
- 1 pinch each salt and pepper
- 1 tsp curry powder* (or store-bought // divided)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (sliced // ~1 1/2 cups as original recipe is written)
- One small head of broccoli (chopped // ~2 cups as the original recipe is written)
SALAD
- One large bundle of kale (stems removed, roughly chopped // ~4 cups as original recipe is written)
- 3 Tbsp tahini
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 3-5 Tbsp water (to thin)
- 1 cup cooked brown or green lentils*
CURRY DRESSING
- 2 Tbsp green curry paste (DIY or store-bought)
- One medium lemon, juiced (~30 ml or 2 Tbsp as the original recipe is written)
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (plus more to taste)
- 1 pinch each salt and black pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (optional)
- Water (to thin)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or more baking sheets if increasing batch size).
- Add carrots to a small mixing bowl and drizzle with half of the oil (1 Tbsp or 15 ml), a pinch each salt and pepper, and 1/2 tsp curry powder (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Toss to combine. Then, arrange on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 12 minutes. In the meantime, add bell pepper and broccoli to the same mixing bowl and drizzle with remaining 1 Tbsp oil, salt, pepper, and 1/2 tsp curry powder (amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Toss to combine.
- Once the carrots reach the 12-minute mark, remove them from the oven and increase the heat to 400 degrees F (204 C). Add the peppers and broccoli to the pan. Then roast for 10-15 minutes more or until all vegetables are tender and slightly golden brown.
- In the meantime, add the kale to a large mixing bowl. In a separate small mixing bowl, add the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar and whisk to combine. Thin with water 1 Tbsp (15 ml) at a time until light and pourable.
- Pour dressing over the kale and massage with hands or tongs/serving spoons. Spread the kale over a serving platter or keep it in the mixing bowl for serving. Top with lentils and set aside.
- To make the curry dressing, use the same small mixing bowl from the tahini sauce and add the curry paste, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and oil (optional). Whisk to combine. Then add water until thin and pourable (see photo).
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon juice for acidity, curry paste for intense curry flavor, salt for saltiness, or maple syrup for sweetness. Set aside.
- Remove roasted vegetables from the oven and add to the salad and lentils. Top with half of the curry dressing and serve with the remaining curry dressing. Garnish with fresh cilantro (optional).
- Enjoy immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, though best when fresh.
