This raw kale salad with creamy tahini dressing is a delightful combo of flavors and textures. The salt-rubbed kale provides a sturdy base for the rich, nutty tahini dressing, while the carrots and avocado adds a fresh crunch. Nutrient-packed and satisfyingly hearty, it's a perfect dish for those seeking a healthy yet indulgent meal.
Photos of Raw Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe
The primary ingredients for this recipe such as kale, avocado, and carrots are common and can be found in any supermarket. However, some ingredients like tahini, white miso, and rice vinegar may not be readily available in your pantry. Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and is usually found in the international or health food aisle. White miso is a Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, and rice vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented rice. Both can be found in the Asian section of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Raw Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing
kale: A nutrient-rich green that forms the base of our salad.
sea salt: Used for seasoning and also for massaging the kale to soften it.
avocado: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats to the salad.
carrots: Provides a sweet, earthy crunch.
sesame seeds: Gives an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
tahini: Provides a rich, nutty base for the dressing.
white miso: Adds depth of flavor and umami to the dressing.
rice vinegar: Gives the dressing a tangy kick.
toasted sesame oil: Enhances the nuttiness of the dressing.
red pepper flakes: Adds a bit of heat, to taste.
chopped cilantro: Gives a fresh, herby touch.
One reader, Jasun Conley says:
This raw kale salad with creamy tahini dressing is a game-changer! The combination of fresh kale, creamy avocado, and flavorful tahini dressing is simply divine. It's a healthy and satisfying dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required for Making a Raw Kale Salad
How to massage kale: Massaging kale helps to break down its tough fibers and makes it more tender and palatable. Simply sprinkle the kale with a pinch of sea salt and use your hands to massage the leaves for a couple of minutes until they soften.
How to make tahini dressing: In a small bowl or 8-ounce mason jar, whisk together tahini, white miso, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes, chopped cilantro, water, and tamari or soy sauce until smooth and creamy.
How to slice carrots into ribbons: Use a vegetable peeler to peel the carrots into long, thin ribbons. Hold the carrot firmly and run the peeler along the length of the carrot to create the ribbons.
How to dice an avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, score the flesh with a knife in a crosshatch pattern, and then scoop it out with a big spoon.
How to toast sesame seeds: Place the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them frequently until they turn golden brown and become fragrant, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
How To Make Raw Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing
This decadent raw kale salad will be your next favorite breakfast meal. Tossed with creamy tahini miso dressing, carrots, and avocado all in one bowl.
Serves:
Ingredients
- kalegreen or red
- sea salt
- 1pcavocado
- 6pcscarrots
- 2tspsesame seeds preferably black sesame seeds
- ¼cuptahini
- 1tbspwhite miso
- 1 ½tbsprice vinegar
- ½tsptoasted sesame oil
- red pepper flakes
- chopped cilantro
- ⅓cupwater
- tamari or soy sauceoptional
Instructions
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Pull the kale leaves off from the tough stem and discard the stems. Use a chef’s knife or your hands to chop or tear the kale into small, bite-sized pieces.
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Sprinkle sea salt over the kale and massage the leaves for a couple of minutes.
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In a small bowl or 8-ounce mason jar, whisk together the salad dressing ingredients. Divide the kale into two bowls, drizzle in the salad dressing, and toss thoroughly. Let the salads rest for ten minutes before eating.
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Peel and slice the carrots into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, score the flesh with a knife and scoop it out with a big spoon.
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Top the salad with carrot ribbons, diced avocado, and some chopped carrot greens.
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Sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1742.22kcal
- Fat: 150.74g
- Saturated Fat: 21.22g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 61.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 61.40g
- Carbohydrates: 80.21g
- Fiber: 35.21g
- Sugar: 11.12g
- Protein: 46.21g
- Sodium: 1858.79mg
- Calcium: 1142.94mg
- Potassium: 2140.28mg
- Iron: 23.38mg
- Vitamin A: 1569.30µg
- Vitamin C: 22.98mg
Technique Tip for Massaging Kale for Optimal Texture
When massaging the kale, make sure to do so until the leaves start to soften and wilt. This process helps break down the tough cell structure and gives the kale a smoother texture and a more mellow flavor. It also makes the nutrients more bioavailable. You'll know it's ready when the kale reduces in volume and turns a darker green.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Kale Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Wash and chop the kale and carrots in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly blend the tahini dressing ingredients together for a smooth and creamy consistency.
Multi-task: While the kale is resting with the dressing, use that time to prepare the avocado and carrot ribbons to save time.
Make extra: Double the recipe and store the extra salad in an airtight container for a quick and healthy meal option later in the week.
Invest in a good peeler: A high-quality vegetable peeler can make quick work of creating carrot ribbons, saving time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Raw Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe
kale - Substitute with chard: Swiss chard has a similar texture and taste to kale, making it a great substitute for raw kale in salads.
tahini - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can provide a creamy texture and nutty flavor similar to tahini, making it a suitable substitute in the dressing.
avocado - Substitute with mashed peas: Mashed peas can provide a similar creamy texture and a touch of sweetness, serving as a substitute for avocado in the salad.
carrots - Substitute with jicama: Jicama can add a crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor similar to carrots in the salad.
white miso - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor and saltiness to the dressing, replacing the white miso.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can offer a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to rice vinegar in the dressing.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a rich and nutty flavor, serving as a substitute for toasted sesame oil in the dressing.
tamari or soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos can offer a similar salty and savory flavor to tamari or soy sauce in the dressing.
How to Beautifully Present a Raw Kale Salad
Elevate the kale: Gently massage the kale leaves with sea salt to soften and enhance the flavor, creating a more delicate and palatable texture.
Artful arrangement of avocado and carrot ribbons: Skillfully layer the avocado and carrot ribbons on top of the kale, creating an aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing presentation.
Drizzle with creamy tahini dressing: Carefully drizzle the creamy tahini dressing over the salad, ensuring an even distribution and a luxurious, indulgent finish.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro: Sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped cilantro, adding a burst of color and a delightful crunch to the dish.
Balance flavors with a touch of tamari or soy sauce: Add a touch of tamari or soy sauce to balance the flavors, enhancing the umami notes and providing a depth of savory richness to the dish.
Create a harmonious composition: Arrange the elements of the salad in a harmonious and balanced composition, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures for a visually stunning presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making a Creamy Tahini Dressing
- Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Vegetable peeler: Used to peel the skin off vegetables and fruits.
- Whisk: Ideal for mixing and emulsifying salad dressings and sauces.
- Small bowl or 8-ounce mason jar: Used for mixing and storing the salad dressing.
- Spoon: Essential for scooping out avocado and mixing ingredients.
- Vegetable peeler: Used to create carrot ribbons for the salad.
- Food processor: Optional for blending the salad dressing ingredients to a smooth consistency.
- Mixing bowl: Used for tossing the kale with the salad dressing.
- Serving bowls: Used for serving the prepared kale salad.
Random Fact About Kale Salads
The creamy tahini dressing in this raw kale salad is rich in nutrients and healthy fats. Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, is a good source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron. It also contains healthy fats that can help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, kale is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This salad is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate nutrient-dense ingredients into your diet.
Is Making a Raw Kale Salad Economical for Home Cooking?
This raw kale salad with creamy tahini dressing recipe is highly cost-effective for households. The ingredients, including kale, avocado, and carrots, are affordable and widely available. The use of tahini and sesame seeds adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its nutritional value, flavor, and affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly and nutritious option for families.
Is This Kale Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This raw kale salad with creamy tahini dressing is a nutritious and wholesome dish. Here's why:
- Kale is a superfood packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber
- Avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber
- Carrots offer beta-carotene, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants
- Tahini and sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and iron
- Miso and tamari/soy sauce add beneficial probiotics and flavor without excessive salt
The dressing ingredients, such as rice vinegar and sesame oil, are low in calories and contribute to the overall taste and health benefits of the salad.
To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Add more variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes, to increase the nutrient diversity
- Include a source of lean protein, like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas, to make it a more balanced meal
- Reduce the amount of oil in the dressing or replace it with a low-fat alternative, such as yogurt or lemon juice, to lower the calorie content
- Experiment with different types of kale, such as baby kale or lacinato kale, for varying textures and flavors
- Incorporate whole grains, like quinoa or brown rice, to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the dish
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Kale Salad Creation
The raw kale salad with creamy tahini dressing recipe is a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. The creamy tahini dressing adds a rich and nutty element to the dish, complementing the earthy kale and sweet carrots. The avocado provides a creamy contrast, while the sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. The balance of flavors and the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients make this salad a nutritious and satisfying option for a light lunch or dinner. The recipe's simplicity and versatility make it a standout choice for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
Enhance Your Raw Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Other Delicious Kale Salad Recipes to Try
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement This Kale Salad Recipe
Why trust this Raw Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing Recipe:
This recipe offers a vibrant and nutritious kale salad with a luscious tahini dressing, providing a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The use of fresh avocado and carrots adds a colorful and wholesome touch, while the creamy tahini dressing, enriched with miso and sesame oil, elevates the dish with its rich and savory taste. The inclusion of sesame seeds and cilantro further enhances the salad's visual appeal and aromatic profile. With a well-balanced combination of ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that is both satisfying and nourishing.
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