Kale, Apple & Walnut Salad
Massaged kale, crisp apple, toasted walnuts, and a bright lemon-tahini dressing.
Kim's note
Massaging the kale is not optional — it breaks down the tough cell walls and turns a chewy, bitter leaf into something silky and sweet. Two minutes of work, completely different salad.
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch curly kale, stems removed, leaves torn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pinch flaky salt
- 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to make it
- 1
Place the torn kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and add the pinch of salt.
- 2
Massage the kale firmly with both hands for 2 full minutes, until the leaves darken, soften, and reduce in volume by about half.
- 3
Whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, and water until smooth and pourable. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Add the apple slices, walnuts, and cranberries to the kale.
- 5
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat every leaf.
- 6
Taste for seasoning and serve immediately — or let it sit 10 minutes for the flavors to deepen.
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