For the Salad

• 1 cup raw quinoa
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 zucchini, cut into small cubes
• 1 summer squash, cut into cubes
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 large plantain, sliced
• Several handfuls of kale, cut or torn into bite sized pieces
• Several handfuls fresh spinach or mixed greens
• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks or ribbons
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 ripe avocados, sliced
• 1 large cucumber, cut into small cubes
• 1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained
• 1/ 2 cup hemp seeds
• 1/ 2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/ 2 cup vegan parmesan

For the Dressing

• 1/ 4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/ 2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 bunch fresh basil, finely chopped
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

• Step 1

  Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.

• Step 2

  In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add in zucchini and summer squash, plus salt & pepper to taste. Sauté until the veggies are softened and have a lightly toasted exterior, around 10 minutes. Once done cooking, set aside.

• Step 3

  Pour frying oil into a medium pot and set it over medium-high heat. Bring to 300 degrees F, or when a wooden spoon sizzles when dunked into the oil. In small batches, add in plantain slices, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes per batch. When plantains are done, set onto a paper towel and immediately sprinkle with salt. Set aside.

• Step 4

  Make the dressing: in a jar that has a lid, combine olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.

• Step 5

  Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, add in kale and spinach/greens. On top of the greens, arrange the sautéed veggies, fried plantains, cooked quinoa, carrots, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and vegan cheese. Pour the dressing on top and enjoy!