Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is a crisp, fresh, and satisfying side dish. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to tender kale and a creamy dressing. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Meal Prep Farro Salad with Roasted Summer Vegetables and One-Pan Honey Garlic Kielbasa and Veggies Dinner Recipe.
Why This Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Is Pure Comfort
- Crisp kale and sweet apples in every bite
- Creamy lemon tahini dressing that's better than takeout
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prep
What You'll Need for Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Kale
- Apples
- Almonds
- Lemon
- Tahini
- Garlic
- Maple syrup
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Crumbled feta
- Optional: Pomegranate seeds
- Optional: Chopped parsley
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Kale: Remove tough stems and chop kale into bite-sized pieces.
- Tahini: Stir well before measuring to ensure a smooth dressing.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- High-quality chef's knife — Makes prep work faster and easier → See on Amazon
- Food processor — Saves time and effort in chopping kale → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Prepare kale: Remove stems and chop kale into bite-sized pieces. Toss with a bit of salt and massage until tender.
- Make dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble salad: Combine kale, diced apples, and almonds in a large bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss to combine. Add optional toppings if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Common mistake and fix: Don't skip massaging the kale. It makes the salad tender and less bitter.
- Tip: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Tip: Make a big batch for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days Make-ahead tip: Yes, up to 1 day ahead
Freezing Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Not recommended
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable Microwave: Not applicable
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Substitute kale with spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing up to 1 day ahead. Store separately from the salad.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the dressing is too thick, add more water or lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
Want to level up this recipe?
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Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Kale
- Apples
- Almonds
- Lemon
- Tahini
Seasonings
- Garlic
- Maple syrup
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Crumbled feta
- Pomegranate seeds
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare kale: Remove stems and chop kale into bite-sized pieces. Toss with a bit of salt and massage until tender.
- Make dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble salad: Combine kale, diced apples, and almonds in a large bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss to combine. Add optional toppings if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Best substitution: Substitute kale with spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing up to 1 day ahead. Store separately from the salad.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the dressing is too thick, add more water or lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Oven reheat: Not applicable
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable
- Make ahead: Yes, up to 1 day ahead
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 1.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing FAQs
Yes, prepare the salad and dressing separately up to 1 day ahead. Combine just before serving.
Massaging the kale helps to break down the tough fibers and reduce bitterness. Make sure to do this step.
Yes, any sweet apple variety will work well in this salad. Granny Smith apples can also be used for a tart contrast.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on any additional toppings you add.
Yes, almond butter can be substituted for the tahini. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
