Imagine a salad so packed with flavor and nutrition that it'll make you forget every boring, bland salad you've ever eaten. This Ultimate Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Lemon Dressing is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that will revolutionize your healthy eating journey. Bursting with vibrant colors, rich textures, and a tantalizing dressing that will make your taste buds dance, 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
- Avocado, diced
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Sesame seeds
- For the dressing: Tahini
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Once clean, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Next, prepare the cherry tomatoes by cutting them in half. This will help release their juices and enhance the flavor of the salad.
- Dice the avocado carefully, making sure to remove the pit and skin. Cut it into small cubes for easy eating.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds. If the skin is tough or waxy, consider peeling it before slicing.
- Thinly slice the red onion. To reduce its sharpness, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain before adding to the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped kale, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced cucumber, red onion, and drained chickpeas. Toss gently to mix the ingredients without bruising the avocado.
- To make the creamy tahini lemon dressing, in a small bowl, combine tahini, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together until smooth.
- If the dressing is too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the salad for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Tips
- Massage your kale: Gently massage the chopped kale with a bit of olive oil to soften its tough texture and reduce bitterness.
- Chill your ingredients: For a crisp and refreshing salad, ensure all vegetables are well-chilled before mixing.
- Customize your protein: While chickpeas are delicious, feel free to add grilled chicken, tofu, or quinoa for extra protein.
- Make ahead: The dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
