Celery Free Kale, Apple & Walnut Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Massaged kale is one of those small kitchen techniques that completely transforms a humble green into something silky, tender, and deeply satisfying. The lemon tahini dressing here is the real star — creamy, bright, and laced with garlic, turmeric, and honey in a way that feels both nourishing and genuinely craveable. Crisp apple slices bring a juicy sweetness that plays beautifully against the earthy walnuts and chewy dried cranberries, while pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch in every bite. Every single ingredient in this bowl is naturally free from celery and celery derivatives, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or swap anything out. It's the kind of salad that works as a light lunch on its own or holds up as a hearty side next to whatever else you're serving. Make the dressing ahead and keep it in the fridge — it only gets better as the flavors meld together.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 large bunch curly or lacinato kale (about 8 oz), stems removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced
- ½ cup dry-roasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or lightly sweetened with fruit juice)
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp water, to thin
Instructions
- 1
Place the torn kale in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the sea salt. Using clean hands, massage the kale firmly for 1–2 minutes until the leaves darken, soften noticeably, and reduce in volume by about half.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, grated garlic, turmeric, and black pepper until smooth. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition, until the dressing is pourable and coats the back of a spoon.
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