Garlicky Kale Salad (Inspired by Whole Foods)
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This garlicky kale salad is the best kale salad ever and so easy to whip up. The zesty tahini dressing is absolutely delicious and makes this recipe taste JUST like the Whole Foods garlicky kale.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m semi-addicted to the Whole Foods salad bar. Granted, my addiction may have subsided a tad since I haven’t been in the store since March, but I still vividly remember my favorites!
There are so that I often end up filling my container to the brim with different veggies, beans and salads. Sure, I end up paying an arm and a leg for my meal, but it’s totally worth it. 😉
Whole Foods Salad Bar Recreations
Of course, I have some favorite items on the bar — one being the Cracklin’ Cauliflower, which I’ve already recreated and the second is the garlicky kale salad. After reading the ingredient list for the garlicky kale salad at the bar (Yep, here’s a little secret – all items on the bar have an ingredient list posted!) I decided to make my own variation at home. I knew the ingredients, but didn’t know the exact measurements so it took a little trial and error. I’ve made it several times now and I have to say, it’s pretty spot on!
Ingredients Needed for This Kale Salad
- kale
- tahini
- apple cider vinegar (or water)
- lemon juice
- Bragg’s liquid aminos (tamari or soy sauce will work)
- nutritional yeast
- garlic
Zesty Tahini Dressing
The dressing I use for the garlicky kale salad is my zesty tahini dressing. It’s made with tahini, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, tamari, nutritional yeast and garlic. I love the zesty flavor from the garlic and apple cider vinegar and the fact that it’s oil-free.
It’s definitely one of my favorite dressings ever! You’ll love it on this kale salad, but you’ll likely want to use it for other salads too. I highly recommend making a double batch!
How to Serve this Kale Salad
This garlicky kale salad is a great side option but I also love it as a base to other salads! My trick is using this as a base and then layering leftovers on top… you can’t go wrong with leftover veggies + protein (like crispy roasted chickpeas) on this tasty salad base!
More Kale Salad Recipes to Try
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Kale Salad
- Massaged Kale Salad
- Kale & Cabbage Pad Thai Salad
- Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad
- Butternut Squash Kale Salad
- Sweet Potato Kale and Quinoa Salad
- Detox Salad
- Kale Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Easy Kale Salad
More Healthy Salad Dressing Ideas
- Mexican Goddess Dressing
- Maple Dressing
- Avocado Ranch Dressing
- Lemon Vinaigrette
- Turmeric Tahini Dressing
- Avocado Caesar Dressing
- Chili Almond Dressing
- Zesty Tahini
- Healthy Caesar Dressing
Be sure to check out my healthy salad dressings as well as my salad recipes.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Garlicky Kale Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bunch raw kale, washed, de-stemmed and dried
- 2 Tablespoons tahini
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, or water
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons Bragg’s liquid aminos, tamari or soy sauce will work
- 4 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons 1-2 cloves minced garlic
Instructions
- Break or cut kale into bite size pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Puree all ingredients except kale in a blender or food processor to blend the dressing.
- Pour dressing over kale and massage into the kale with your hands until all pieces of kale are coated.
- Let the salad sit in the fridge for an hour or so to marinate. You can skip this step if you need to eat right away, but allowing some time to marinate will wilt the kale a bit and make it a little more palatable – particularly for those who are skeptical of eating raw kale.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!
I made this last night. It was so quick and easy, and tasted amazing. I absolutely love this! I topped it with chopped sundried tomatoes and pumpkin seeds.
I’m so pumped this kale salad was a hit, Francine! Love the addition of sundried tomatoes and pumpkin seeds. Thanks so much for the review!
I was at Whole Foods yesterday looking for this salad! I spoke to an associate asking when it will return. She said the salads are on a seasonal rotation and that it would be back eventually. I simply cannot wait! One google search later and I am here. I have all of the ingredients, hoping this turns out well.
Woo! Let me know how it turns out, Michelle!
My family recently moved to a town that has no Whole Foods but, previously, my husband has been a *huge* fan of that kale salad. I just made this for Easter (had to sub Parmigiano for the nutritional yeast) and I wish I’d snapped a photo of his face when he tasted it. Thank you!!
So glad this salad was a hit! Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
I’m leaving a 5 star rating because I think you nailed the flavour and most probably prefer the consistency. However; I like my dressings a bit thicker. Any suggestions on how to thicken this up to use as a dip? just add more nutritional yeast or cut the liquids in half?
So glad you loved this recipe, Stacy! Thanks for coming back to leave a review, I so appreciate it! To make it thicker, maybe try adding a little arrowroot powder or cornstarch? That should thicken it up! Let me know how it turns out if you try it. 🙂
Also maybe you could try some oat flour, as that tends to soak up a lot of the liquid. I haven’t tried it, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. 🙂
This came out perfect. I had to substitute tahini for dijon, and acv for seasoned rice wine vinegar, and drizzled in some olive oil. I whisked it up and it was a hit.
So glad you enjoyed this salad, Aubrey! Thanks for the review. 🙂
Delicious and easy to prepare!
I did not know how much I could like kale until I made this! The dressing is so good.
Ahh yay!! I’m so glad you love this salad. It’s one of my faves. 🙂
This was delicious. I didn’t have the yeast so I improvised using 2 Tbsp of whole grain rolled oats and 2 Tbsp of freshly grated real parmesan. Some crusty seared salmon on top with a lemon wedge on the side and this was better than what you get in most restaurants. Thank you for sharing.
Yay!! I love the subs you made for the dressing and I’m glad it turned out for you. 🙂
Yum! Just happened to have all of the ingredients and whipped it up for lunch today. So easy, and love the garlicky, tangy dressing! Will definitely be making again. Thanks!
Woo! Love it when that happens! I’m so glad you enjoyed this salad, Lauren. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I really appreciate it. <3
I’ve been trying to figure out this recipe and this nails it – yay! Thank you -I could eat bowls full!
Ahh yay! So glad you found it! Thanks for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I appreciate it. 🙂