Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is a crisp, fresh side that’s ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to keeping kale tender is a quick massage. This salad is perfect for meal prep or a light dinner. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy 30-Minute Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe and How to Make Perfect Chocolate Macarons at Home.
Why This Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing Is Pure Comfort
- Crisp kale and crunchy apples
- Creamy, tangy lemon tahini dressing
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Perfect for meal prep or a light dinner
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 crumbled feta
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Pumpkin seeds
- Optional: Sunflower seeds
📝 Ingredient Notes
- kale: Remove thick stems and tear into bite-sized pieces.
- apples: Choose your favorite variety. I like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Salad Spinner — Ensures crisp, dry kale for the perfect salad. → See on Amazon
- Immersion Blender — Makes smooth, creamy dressing in seconds. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Prepare kale: Remove stems and tear kale into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl and massage with your hands until tender, about 2 minutes.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency.
- Assemble salad: Core and thinly slice apples. Add to bowl with kale. Top with crumbled feta and pumpkin seeds. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Common mistake and fix: Don't skip massaging the kale. It's the key to tender leaves and prevents a tough salad.
- Pro tip: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Pro tip: Make-ahead: Store dressing separately and toss salad just before serving to keep kale crisp.
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 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare kale and apples up to 1 day ahead. Store separately.
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: To make this salad vegan, omit feta or substitute with vegan feta.
- Best substitution: Substitute kale with spinach for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare kale and apples up to 1 day ahead. Store separately.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If dressing is too thick, add more water, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality cutting board — Makes prep work a breeze and keeps your knives sharp. → 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 crumbled feta
Seasonings
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Prepare kale: Remove stems and tear kale into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl and massage with your hands until tender, about 2 minutes.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency.
- Assemble salad: Core and thinly slice apples. Add to bowl with kale. Top with crumbled feta and pumpkin seeds. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
Notes
- Chef tip: To make this salad vegan, omit feta or substitute with vegan feta.
- Best substitution: Substitute kale with spinach for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare kale and apples up to 1 day ahead. Store separately.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If dressing is too thick, add more water, 1 tbsp at a time, until desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended.
- Oven reheat: Not applicable.
- Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
- Make ahead: Prepare kale and apples up to 1 day ahead. Store separately.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
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 apples up to 1 day ahead. Store separately and toss with dressing just before serving.
You may have skipped massaging the kale. This step is crucial for tender leaves.
Yes, any crisp apple variety will work. I like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Yes, add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
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!
