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Kale, Apple & Walnut Salad

Massaged kale, crisp apple, toasted walnuts, and a bright lemon-tahini dressing.

Ready in 15 min
Serves 4
Kale salad with apple slices, walnuts, and lemon dressing in a bowl

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. 1

    Place the torn kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and add the pinch of salt.

  2. 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. 3

    Whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, and water until smooth and pourable. Season with salt and pepper.

  4. 4

    Add the apple slices, walnuts, and cranberries to the kale.

  5. 5

    Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat every leaf.

  6. 6

    Taste for seasoning and serve immediately — or let it sit 10 minutes for the flavors to deepen.

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