RECIPE: Raw Kale Salad with Garlic Chipotle Tahini Dressing

My love for tahini began several years ago and one of the very first recipes I posted on this blog (over four years ago), was for a Creamy Orange Tahini Dressing. Since then, and I think it’s safe to say, I’ve become addicted to tahini. Not only is it creamy and delicious, but it’s also packed with protein, calcium and iron…so win, win! I love tahini so much that we go through at least one 16oz jar a week. So, get ready for plenty more tahini recipes in the near future!

With warmer weather approaching, I’m getting excited for farmers markets to start back up again and stocking our fridge with fresh, local produce. Lots of raw meals, such as kale salad, replace the hot soups we’ve been enjoying these last few months.

RAW KALE SALAD with GARLIC CHIPOTLE TAHINI DRESSING: {raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, oil-free}

For the kale salad, you can throw together any mix of raw veggies, but here is what I used in this specific batch:

• Two bunches of organic kale (purple and lacinato), washed and torn into smaller pieces
• A little more than 1/4 of a large head of organic red cabbage; shredded using the food processor
• 1 organic yellow bell pepper, diced
• 3 organic radishes, thinly sliced using the food processor
• 1/4 cup of diced organic green onion
• other veggies we love in our kale salad: sliced carrots, tomatoes, avocado, broccoli

GARLIC CHIPOTLE TAHINI DRESSING:

What you need:

• 1/3 cup raw tahini
• 4 Medjool dates, pitted
• 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled (depending on how much you love garlic)
• 1 Tablespoon raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup cold filtered water
• Himalayan pink sea salt, to taste

How to:

1. Add all of the ingredients for the dressing into a high-speed blender and process until smooth. Salt to taste and if you’re looking for a thinner consistency, add more water as needed. It will thicken a bit in the fridge, or even as it sits, so keep that in mind.
2. Combine all of your raw veggies in a large mixing bowl and then slowly add the dressing – massage it all together either by using your hands or a spatula. Depending on how large your salad is, or how heavily coated you like your veggies, you may or may not have dressing leftover.
3. Enjoy right away, or store the mixed salad in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to eat! Leftover dressing will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
4. Additional toppings are always a great idea – such as sliced raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds or even extra dressing!

*** If you’re not a fan of spicy dressings, my Cheezy Garlic Tahini Sauce works great on salads and even kale chips.

Thanks for stopping by!

❤