Prepare to fall in love with the most incredible, nutrient-packed salad that will make you forget everything you thought you knew about healthy eating! This Chopped Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing is not just a meal; it's a culinary revolution that combines vibrant, fresh ingredients with a creamy, tangy dressing that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone looking to add more delicious greens to your diet, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Kale, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Tahini
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, rinse the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the kale.
- Wash the cucumber and dice it into small cubes. Add the diced cucumber to the mixing bowl.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Depending on your preference for onion flavor, you can adjust the amount used. Add the sliced red onion to the salad bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the tahini dressing. Start by adding 1/4 cup of tahini to the bowl. Then, squeeze in the juice of one lemon, being careful to catch any seeds. Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic, depending on how garlicky you like your dressing.
- Whisk the tahini, lemon juice, and garlic together until combined. Gradually drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil while continuing to whisk. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the kale salad mixture. Use tongs or your hands to gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the tahini dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the kale to soften slightly. This also gives the dressing a chance to penetrate the vegetables.
- Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter, and enjoy your fresh and nutritious chopped kale salad with tahini dressing!
Tips
- Massage Your Kale: To make the kale more tender and less bitter, spend a few minutes massaging the chopped leaves with a little olive oil before adding other ingredients.
- Customize Your Dressing: Don't be afraid to adjust the tahini dressing to your taste. Add more lemon for brightness or a touch of honey for sweetness.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and make the dressing in advance to save time during meal preparation.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your kale and vegetables will make a huge difference in the final taste of the salad.
- Let it Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld and softens the kale slightly.
- Add Protein Boost: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or toasted nuts to the salad.
- Store Smartly: If you have leftovers, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg