Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
This Easy Kale and Apple Salad is a crisp, fresh, and satisfying side dish that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the dressing to make it my family’s favorite. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Refreshing White Christmas Mojitos with Coconut and Mint and Easy Raspberry Passionfruit Tequila Sour Cocktail Recipe.
Why This Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Is Pure Comfort
- Crisp kale and sweet apples make a perfect balance
- Tangy lemon tahini dressing is addictive
- Easy to make and ready in just 15 minutes
- Versatile – serve as a side or light meal
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.
- 1 large bunch kale
- 2 apples
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Shredded carrots
- Optional: Dried cranberries
- Optional: Crumbled feta cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- kale: Remove tough stems and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- apples: Choose your favorite variety. I like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Makes quick work of chopping kale → See on Amazon
- High-quality olive oil — Enhances the flavor of the dressing → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Prepare kale: Remove tough stems and chop kale into bite-sized pieces. Wash and dry thoroughly.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped kale, thinly sliced apples, and sliced almonds. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Tip: Massage the kale with your hands before adding the dressing to soften it and reduce bitterness.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't over-dress the salad. Start with less dressing and add more as needed to avoid a soggy salad.
- Tip: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad.
- Tip: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The kale will soften slightly but remain crisp.
Storing & Reheating Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Can be made up to 1 day ahead. Store dressing separately and toss before serving.
Freezing Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a nut-free version, substitute the tahini with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Best substitution: If you don't have tahini, you can use peanut butter or almond butter in a pinch.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the kale ahead of time. Store separately and combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If your dressing is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality olive oil — Enhances the flavor of the dressing → Check price on Amazon
Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large bunch kale
- 2 apples
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded carrots
- Dried cranberries
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare kale: Remove tough stems and chop kale into bite-sized pieces. Wash and dry thoroughly.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped kale, thinly sliced apples, and sliced almonds. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a nut-free version, substitute the tahini with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Best substitution: If you don't have tahini, you can use peanut butter or almond butter in a pinch.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the kale ahead of time. Store separately and combine just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If your dressing is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Can be made up to 1 day ahead. Store dressing separately and toss before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 2.5g
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, you can prepare the dressing and chop the kale ahead of time. Store separately and combine just before serving.
If your dressing is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to the salad.
Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer. I like Fuji or Honeycrisp for their sweetness and crunch.
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the packaging of your tahini to ensure it's produced in a gluten-free facility.
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!
