Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is a crispy, fresh side dish that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to keeping kale crispy. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Za’atar Roasted Chickpeas with Lemon Zest and Mexican Street Corn Style Grilled Zucchini Recipe.
Why This Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy kale and sweet apple combination
- Creamy lemon tahini dressing
- Healthier than restaurant versions
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
- Apple
- Lemon
- Tahini
- Garlic
- Maple syrup
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Pecans
- Optional: Pomegranate seeds
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Kale: Remove tough stems and tear into bite-sized pieces.
🛒 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 making dressing → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Prepare kale: Remove stems, tear into bite-sized pieces, and massage with salt to soften.
- Make dressing: Blend tahini, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble salad: Toss kale, sliced apples, and dressing. Add pecans and pomegranate seeds if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overmassage kale or it will become soggy. Stop when kale is softened but still crisp.
- Tip: Add a splash of water to dressing if it's too thick.
- Tip: Make ahead and store dressing separately to keep kale crispy.
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 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare kale and dressing ahead of time, combine just before serving.
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: Use a mix of kale varieties for added flavor and texture.
- Best substitution: Substitute apple with pear or jicama for a different flavor and texture.
- Make-ahead: Prepare kale and dressing ahead of time, combine just before serving.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If dressing is too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality cutting board — Provides a stable surface for safe and efficient prep work → Check price on Amazon
Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Kale
- Apple
- Lemon
- Tahini
Seasonings
- Garlic
- Maple syrup
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Pecans
- Pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Prepare kale: Remove stems, tear into bite-sized pieces, and massage with salt to soften.
- Make dressing: Blend tahini, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble salad: Toss kale, sliced apples, and dressing. Add pecans and pomegranate seeds if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a mix of kale varieties for added flavor and texture.
- Best substitution: Substitute apple with pear or jicama for a different flavor and texture.
- Make-ahead: Prepare kale and dressing ahead of time, combine just before serving.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If dressing is too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Prepare kale and dressing ahead of time, combine just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 30g
- 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 kale and dressing ahead of time, combine just before serving to keep kale crispy.
Overmassaging kale can make it soggy. Stop when kale is softened but still crisp.
No, this recipe is best made in a bowl, not in an air fryer.
Pear or jicama can be used as a substitute for apple in this salad.
Freezing is not recommended as it will make the kale mushy and the apples watery.
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!
