Imagine a salad so delicious and nutritious that it'll make you forget every boring, bland salad you've ever eaten. This Apple and Kale Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that combines the earthy richness of kale, the sweet crunch of apples, and a mind-blowing maple tahini dressing that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a foodie, or someone looking to add more excitement to your diet, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the kale thoroughly under cold running water, then pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces, placing them in a large mixing bowl.
- Massage the chopped kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes to soften the leaves and reduce their toughness, which will improve the salad's texture.
- Wash and core the apple, then slice it into thin, uniform pieces. Immediately toss the apple slices with the kale to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined to create the dressing.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they become fragrant.
- Add the toasted walnuts and dried cranberries to the kale and apple mixture.
- Drizzle the maple tahini dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally garnishing with additional walnuts or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips
- Massage your kale: This isn't just a fancy technique—it's a game-changer! Massaging breaks down the tough fibers, making the kale more tender and easier to eat.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Select crisp kale and a firm, sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast those walnuts: Don't skip toasting—it enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Dress just before serving: Add the dressing right before eating to keep the salad from getting soggy.
- Make ahead friendly: Prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crispness.Pro tip: This salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap walnuts for almonds or cranberries for raisins to suit your taste or pantry!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
