Crisp Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad with massaged kale, sweet apple slices, and a creamy lemon-tahini dressing that balances tart and savory notes. This American-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 10 minutes, pairs kale, apple, dried cranberries into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove stems from 3 cups chopped kale and massage with hands for 1-2 minutes until soft and dark green. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium thinly sliced apple and 1/4 cup dried cranberries to the kale and toss to combine.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 2 tbsp tahini, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp water, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified. Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crisp Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kale from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisp Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crisp Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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