Kale Greek Salad (V + GF)

Happy Motivation Monday week 13!! 

It seems that summer is the busiest months for everyone, including myself and its so hard to find the time to eat healthy and prepare meals for the upcoming week. Recently I feel as though my body has been craving something extra healthy and that is why this week for Motivation Monday I have decided on a vegan + gluten free kale greek salad. This salad has the combination of creamy and crunchy and hint of citrus and packed with super foods. I know traditional greek salads have feta within them, but I have chosen to leave that off because I am trying to limit my dairy intake. Diary tends to be a inflammatory food for most people and dishes can easily taste just as great without cheese!  

This week's Motivation Monday recipe is the perfect thing to take with you during the week for lunches at work or to carry with you if you don't have time to stop home, because unlike typical salads, kale is a much more of a thicker leaf and doesn't wilt as easily or get soggy.. For me, this salad is the perfect thing, because I work all day and have classes during the evening, so its easy to take with me for dinner during night class. 

Ingredients: 

1/2 red onion
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber (optional) 
1/2 c. chick peas
Kalamata olives
Red bell pepper
Lemon
Olive Oil

Dressing: 
Hummus
1/2 lemon juiced
Garlic - minced
1 or 2 tbsp of water

Directions: 

1. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat the red bell pepper in 1 Tbsp of olive oil until slightly softened. 
2. Add the kale to a large bowl and add lemon juice and olive oil. Use hands to massage the kale to break down its texture and bitterness. 
3. Add the chick peas, cucumbers, olives, cherry tomatoes, and onions to the salad. 
4. For the dressing, combine the hummus, minced garlic, lemon juice and water together. Add salt and pepper for taste.