• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our Plant-Based World
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Books
  • Juices
  • Categories
  • Mains
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About Us
    • Books
    • Juices
    • Categories
    • Mains
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Kale salad with Tahini dressing

    Updated: May 18, 2023 by Gustavo De Obaldia

    Written by Gustavo De Obaldia

    Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a bowl of green goodness that will take your salad game to the next level. We're talking about a chickpeas and kale salad with tahini dressing - a delectable, crunchy delight bursting with flavor and nutritional benefits. This recipe integrates the earthy taste of kale, and the crispiness of chickpeas, all harmoniously tied together with a creamy, nutty tahini dressing. Let's embark on this culinary journey, shall we?

    crispy chickpea kale salad with tahini dressing hero.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Comments

    First things first: let's talk about our star ingredient - kale. This leafy green powerhouse is delicious and packed with essential nutrients like Vitamins A, C, and K. And guess what? It’s in season now, which means it's at its nutritional peak and is more environmentally sustainable to consume.

    Combine kale with the magic of chickpeas, and you've got yourself a protein-packed filling salad that will keep you satisfied for hours. Chickpeas are not just for hummus anymore. They play a key role here, adding a delightful crunch to our salad. We'll roast them until they're golden brown and crispy, making them the perfect textural contrast to the soft, leafy kale.

    But wait, there's more! Our Kale Salad wouldn't be complete without a luscious maple tahini dressing. This velvety dressing will lend a distinctive nutty flavor to the salad, making every bite an unforgettable experience.

    Jump to:
    • 💚 Why you will love it
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💡 Expert tip
    • 📖 Variations
    • 👨🏻‍🍳 Meal prep tips
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 🥡 Storage
    • 🥬 More kale salad and chickpeas recipes
    • 🎥 Video
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    💚 Why you will love it

    • Nutrient-rich: Packed with vitamins and minerals.
    • Perfectly crunchy: Offers a satisfying texture.
    • Creamy dressing: Rich, nutty tahini flavor.
    • Quick & easy: Ready in minutes.
    • Versatile: Ideal for any meal.

    🧾 Ingredients

    This chickpea tahini salad is made with just a few delicious ingredients:

    ingredients for chickpea kale salad with maple tahini dressing.
    • Kale: This leafy powerhouse is the star of the show, offering a wealth of essential vitamins and a satisfying, earthy flavor that stands strong in our salad.
    • Fresh lemon Juice: Adding a zesty kick, lemon juice brightens up the overall taste while also helping to soften the kale, enhancing its digestibility and nutrient absorption.
    • Grape Tomatoes: These vibrant bites of sunshine provide a sweet contrast to the earthy kale, while also being a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C.
    • Crispy Chickpeas: Our roasted chickpeas introduce a delightful crunch and a protein boost, creating a satisfying balance of textures in the salad.
    • Creamy Tahini Dressing: This creamy, nutty dressing ties all the ingredients together, enhancing their individual flavors and adding a good dose of healthy fats and minerals to the mix.

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Substitutions

    Sure, here are the vegan substitutions for the ingredients:

    • Lemon Juice: Substitute it with apple cider vinegar. It will bring a slightly different, more tangy, and robust flavor to the recipe, but it works as a great acidic alternative.
    • Grape Tomatoes: Cherry or regular tomatoes can be used in place of grape tomatoes. Just chop them up into small pieces to match the size of grape tomatoes. Their flavor is very similar, though regular tomatoes may have a bit more water content.
    • Sultanas: Dried cranberries can be an excellent replacement for sultanas. They will lend a tart flavor and slightly chewier texture, adding a new dimension to the dish.

    🔪 Instructions

    place all the ingredients in a large bowl and combine with a spoon.

    Step 1: Let's start off by whipping up those crispy chickpeas and baking them on a baking sheet.

    whisking all the ingredients in a bowl

    Step 2: Next, let's tackle the maple tahini dressing. Stir all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

    Hint: Kale salads need some love. Massaging kale with lemon juice prior to assembling the salad is key to making the best kale salad. Otherwise, the leaves can be tough and a bit too chewy. A good massage breaks down the fibers, softening the kale and making it more palatable and easier to chew. Plus, it helps the kale absorb the dressing better, leading to a more flavorful and enjoyable salad.

    remove tough kale stems.

    Step 3: Get your hands dirty – chop kale, place the kale in a large bowl and remove the tougher parts of kale.

    massaging kale with lemon juice.

    Step 4: Now squeeze half a lemon over your kale and give it a good massage to soften it up.

    add the crispy chickpeas on top.

    Step 5: Let's plate it in a large salad bowl! Lay out the massaged kale, and top it with those crispy chickpeas.

    add grape tomatoes.

    Step 6: Then add the grape tomatoes, whole or halved. We like some of both.

    drizzling tahini sauce in a chickpea and kale salad.

    Step 7: Drizzle the creamy lemon tahini dressing with maple syrup.

    tossing kale salad with crispy chickpeas and maple tahini dressing.

    Step 8: Toss to mix it well and let stand for 5 minutes.

    Hint: You can throw in some extra goodies like toasted almonds or sultanas if you like.

    Dig in after 5 minutes for the best taste, and most importantly, enjoy your meal!

    crispy chickpea kale salad with tahini dressing hero.

    Optional Add-ins

    crispy chickpea kale salad with tahini dressing optional add ins in small bowls.

    We like adding sultanas, toasted pepitas, and sesame seeds to make the salad look extra nice. You can drizzle extra olive oil if you like.

    close up of the crispy chickpea kale salad with tahini dressing.

    💡 Expert tip

    Which type of kale to choose to make the ultimate kale salad?

    Massage Your Kale: Don't skip massaging the kale with lemon juice. This step is crucial for softening the leaves, making them more palatable and easier to digest. It also helps the kale absorb more of the delicious tahini dressing.

    Achieve Crispy Chickpeas: For the crispiest chickpeas, ensure they are thoroughly dried before roasting. Any moisture can prevent them from getting that perfect crunch. Roasting them at a high temperature helps achieve that desired crispiness.

    Balance Your Dressing: When preparing the tahini dressing, aim for a creamy yet pourable consistency. If it's too thick, gradually add water until you reach the desired consistency. This ensures the dressing coats the salad evenly without weighing it down.

    Add-ins for Extra Texture: Feel free to include additional ingredients like toasted almonds or sultanas for extra crunch and sweetness. These add-ins enhance the salad's texture and flavor profile, making each bite interesting.

    Season to Taste: Before serving, taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A little extra squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt can elevate the flavors and make your salad shine.

    For the substitutions of kale, here are some options:

    • Curly Kale: It's the most common type of kale and can be used in place of any other kale variety. Its ruffled leaves hold onto the dressing well, providing every bite with flavor.
    • Baby Kale: This is a more tender and milder option. It doesn't require massaging like mature kale does, making it a quick and easy substitution. However, it may wilt more quickly under dressing, so it's best used if you plan to eat the salad right away.
    • Dinosaur Kale: Also known as Tuscan or Lacinato kale, dinosaur kale has a slightly sweeter and more delicate taste than curly kale. Its bumpy texture will grip onto the dressing nicely. Remember to remove the tough center stem before using.

    📖 Variations

    Autumn Delight: Replace crispy chickpeas (garbanzo beans) with roasted butternut squash, sliced roasted sweet potatoes, roasted beets, or your choice of roasted veggies in bite-sized pieces. This variation will give you a sweeter, earthy flavor and a hearty texture that's perfect for fall! You can even add sweet potato crunch leftovers on top!

    Protein Boost: Swap out the chickpeas for tofu puffs or vegan chicken nuggets for a higher protein alternative. This variation provides an exciting texture contrast and amps up the protein content.

    Cheesy Vegan: Opt for vegan parmesan cheese instead of the regular shaved parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly, cheesy addition. This will give you a slightly different yet delicious, cheesy flavor while keeping the recipe vegan.

    Spicy Kick: Top your salad with vegan cauliflower wings for an exciting, spicy twist. They bring a fantastic crunch and a zesty flavor that will add an unexpected but delicious punch to your salad. Don't forget to adjust the rest of your ingredients to balance the heat!

    If you le crunch salads you should absolutely check out this sweet pepper cucumber crunch salad, it has bold and delicious flavors!

    👨🏻‍🍳 Meal prep tips

    When it comes to meal prepping this salad, it's all about organization and proper storage.

    Chopped Kale Salad: Prep the kale by washing, drying, de-stemming, and tearing it into bite-size pieces. You can even massage it with the lemon juice ahead of time. Once prepared, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It's sturdy enough to stay fresh for several days.

    Maple Tahini Dressing: Whip up the dressing and store it separately in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in the fridge and give it a good shake or stir before using. As dressings can thicken in the cold, you might need to loosen them with a bit of water or lemon juice.

    Crispy Chickpeas: Cook these as per the recipe, and once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It's important not to refrigerate them as they may lose their crunch.

    When it's time to enjoy your salad, assemble all the components. Start with your prepped kale and grape tomatoes, add the crispy chickpeas, drizzle the dressing, and toss everything together. This way, you'll ensure that everything stays as fresh and crispy as possible until it's time to eat!

    ❓ FAQ

    Should you let kale sit in dressing?

    Yes, you can let kale sit in the dressing, especially if it's a thicker leaf variety like curly or dinosaur kale. Unlike many other salad greens, kale is quite hardy and doesn't wilt as easily. Allowing the kale to sit in the dressing for about 5 -10 minutes can help soften its tough texture and allow the flavors to penetrate more deeply. This can make the kale more enjoyable to eat and enhance the overall flavor of the salad. However, if you're using baby kale, which is more tender, it's better to dress it just before serving to prevent it from becoming too wilted.

    🥡 Storage

    If you have leftover kale salad, here are the best ways to store it:

    Without Dressing: If the salad is undressed, it should last a few days in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container, and when you're ready to eat it again, simply add the dressing and the chickpeas.

    With Dressing: Kale holds up well to dressings thanks to its sturdy texture, but it may soften over time. Leftover dressed salad can still be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days in an airtight container. The chickpeas, however, may lose their crispness once dressed and refrigerated.

    Crispy Chickpeas: If you have leftover chickpeas, store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crispy. Do not refrigerate as they'll lose their crunch.

    🥬 More kale salad and chickpeas recipes

    Have a glimpse at our favorite salad recipes.

    Vegan Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing: Elevate your salad game with this scrumptious vegan kale salad. The enticing blend of hearty kale and a delightful maple balsamic dressing makes for a mouthwatering combination you won't want to miss!

    Creamy Strawberry Balsamic Dressing with Spinach Salad: Prepare to be enchanted by the perfect summer salad. A bed of fresh spinach paired with a lush, strawberry balsamic dressing creates a symphony of flavors that's both refreshing and indulgent!

    Couscous and Greens Salad: Experience a vibrant fusion of textures and flavors with this couscous warm salad. The fluffy couscous, coupled with crisp greens offers a delectable treat that's both nourishing and delightfully satisfying!

    Vegan Chickpea Salad with Avocado: Dive into a world of hearty, creamy goodness with this vegan chickpea salad. It's an irresistible combination of protein-rich chickpeas and buttery avocado that makes for a satisfying meal packed full of plant-based power!

    ⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

    🎥 Video

    📋 Recipe

    crispy chickpea kale salad with tahini dressing featured.

    Kale Salad with Tahini Dressing

    Author: Gustavo De Obaldia
    Discover the culinary magic of our chickpea kale salad with tahini dressing - a nutrition-packed, flavorful delight that's sure to impress. Embrace the crispy chickpeas, nutrient-rich kale, and creamy tahini dressing in a recipe that's as good for your health as it is for your taste buds.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine American, Healthy, Holidays
    Servings 2 servings
    Calories 828 kcal

    Equipment

    Kitchen Ceramic Knife Set.
    (affiliate link)
    Ceramic knives (affiliate link)
    yellow lemon press.
    (affiliate link)
    Lemon press (affiliate link)
    Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Nonstick 2-Piece 9-Inch and 11-Inch Skillet Set - Black And Silver.
    (affiliate link)
    Skillet (affiliate link)

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the Kale Chickpea Salad

    • 8 oz kale Stems removed and chopped into bite-sized pieces 8oz, 200 g. About 1 big bunch.
    • ½ lemon juiced
    • 10 grape tomatoes
    • 1 batch tahini maple dressing
    • 1 batch crispy chickpeas

    Optional

    • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted
    • ⅓ cup pepitas toasted
    • ¼ cup sultanas raisins, or cranberries
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Directions
     

    • Let's start off by whipping up those crispy chickpeas!
    • Next, let's tackle the maple tahini dressing.
    • If you've got pepitas, toast 'em in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes until they're lightly browned.
    • Remove tougher pieces. Before we begin with any other steps, make sure to remove the tougher stems from your kale. They can be a bit too chewy, so let's set them aside for a smoother salad experience.
    • Get your hands dirty – squeeze half a lemon over your kale and give it a good massage to soften it up.
    • Let's plate it! Lay out the massaged kale, top it with those crispy chickpeas, and drizzle the tahini dressing all over.
    • You can throw in some extra goodies like toasted almonds or sultanas if you like. Bon appétit!
    • Dig in right away for the best taste, and most importantly, enjoy your meal!

    Video

    Notes

    Massaging kale with lemon is an important step in preparing this kale and chickpea salad with maple tahini dressing for a few reasons:
    1. Softening the kale: Massaging the kale with lemon helps to break down the tough fibers in the kale leaves, making them more tender and easier to chew. This is especially important if you're using curly kale, which can be quite tough and fibrous.
    2. Enhancing flavor: Massaging the kale with lemon also helps to infuse it with flavor. The acid in the lemon juice helps to cut through the bitterness of the kale, making it taste fresher and more vibrant.

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 828kcalCarbohydrates: 89gProtein: 28gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 23gSodium: 963mgPotassium: 1298mgFiber: 23gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 11691IUVitamin C: 130mgCalcium: 473mgIron: 10mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram and Hashtag it #ourplantbasedworld so we can see what's cooking!!

    Nutritional Disclaimer

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.

    gustavo de obaldia headshot.
    Gustavo De Obaldia
    Website |  + postsBio

    As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.

    • Gustavo De Obaldia
      https://ourplantbasedworld.com/author/gustavodeobaldia/
      Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing
    • Gustavo De Obaldia
      https://ourplantbasedworld.com/author/gustavodeobaldia/
      Creamy Carrot Hummus without Tahini
    • Gustavo De Obaldia
      https://ourplantbasedworld.com/author/gustavodeobaldia/
      Easy and Protein-packed Yellow Lentil Wraps
    • Gustavo De Obaldia
      https://ourplantbasedworld.com/author/gustavodeobaldia/
      Juice for Bloating Relief Shots

    More Amazing Salad Recipes

    • plated marinated raw zucchini salad.
      Marinated Raw Zucchini Salad
    • bowl of green high-protein healthy pasta salad garnished with halved cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and fresh basil leaves, accompanied by a bowl of cherry tomatoes.
      Easy, Healthy Pasta Salad (High in Protein)
    • kale quinoa salad.
      Easy Kale and Quinoa Salad
    • fennel apple salad.
      Fennel Apple Salad

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

      Leave us a comment or feedback Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Sandhya S

      May 18, 2023 at 1:12 pm

      5 stars
      The crispy chickpea and kale salad with tahini dressing was a refreshing and satisfying meal. Perfect balance of flavors!

      Reply
      • Gus

        May 24, 2023 at 9:19 am

        I am glad you liked it!

        Reply
    2. Elizabeth

      May 18, 2023 at 1:05 pm

      5 stars
      This salad recipe is fantastic! I'm always looking for new creative and healthy salad recipes for hot summer days when I don't feel like cooking anything, and this one hits the spot! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Neha

      May 18, 2023 at 12:43 pm

      Oh this salad looks wonderful, loving the addition of tahini. Also when I make this, I am sure I will add all the three optional ingredients that you have listed, haha!

      Reply
    4. Alison Saalbach Corey

      May 18, 2023 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      You always provide options and alternatives, making your recipes approachable for everyone. Keep up the fantastic work!

      Reply
    5. Beth

      May 18, 2023 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      Now, this is what I call health food! I love salads like this. It's so much more flavorful than just a little lettuce and some carrots.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Natasha and Mitri headshot. Modern Sidebar.

    Welcome To

    Our Plant-Based World!

    Natasha and Mitri here, dishing out a bounty of easy, wholesome and tasty vegan recipes along with some natural alternatives to nourish and care for your hair and skin. Brace yourselves for a delightful journey!

    More about OPBW →

    Trending Recipes

    • crispy mediterranean tofu air fryr recipe fatured.
      Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Mediterranean Marinade

    • Vegan Empanadas
      Vegan Empanadas

    • juice pulp in jar featured.
      What to do with Juice Pulp + Recipes

    • Indian style Brussels sprouts curry featured.
      Indian Style Spiced Brussels Sprouts Curry (Vegan)

    Winter Hits

    • drink to boost immune system, and fight cold and flu
      Drink to boost Immune System, Best Juice for Cold and Flu

    • lemony winter risotto featured
      Lemony Winter Risotto

    • beet carpaccio salad with vinaigrette.
      Beet Carpaccio Salad

    • Coconut pineapple Thai Curry featured image.
      Vegan Coconut Pineapple Thai Curry

    Footer

    Subscribe for latest recipes!

    Sign Up!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Affiliate Links Disclaimers
    • Nutritional Disclaimer

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2025 Our Plant-Based World

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.