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!
Brittany, thank you for such a good recipie. There is only one problem….now I can’t get enough 🙂 . I make it at least once a week.
When I first tried this salad at whole foods I became a fan. You did an excellent job enhancing it. Now I’m a bigger fan.
Thanks,
Guys, if you live near a WholeFoods, this dressing is readily available under the WholeFoods Label. It is a No-Oil dressing and it is named, “Zasty Tahini”. The salad is also available in WholeFoods’ “Cold Bar” under the same name as above.
Thank you so much Brittany!! Oh.. it is so good .. and you added your flavor .. for sure! The only problem I have is letting the salad sit in the fridge for an hour or so … well.. it can never happen .. .. i eat it before it has a chance to marinate.. just can’t wait that long lol
Brittany,
As Val mentioned, you nailed it!! I had this for the first time at Whole Foods last week and came home and immediately looked up a copycat recipe because it’s SO good. Thanks for all the cash you’re going to save me by making it at home!
Made it again tonight, this time with ALL the ingredients. LOL! Awesome! Thank you!
I had just had this at Whole Foods and came home craving more of it! Found your recipe and despite having it, forgot to add the nutritional yeast. I. AM. BLONDE. It didn’t taste quite right (ya think?!) so I added a little more tahini and garlic and I had some fresh tumeric on hand, which i love, and blended in a little nub of that. It was very good, but I will add the yeast next time!
Love this dressing, i am hooked on it. I only had half the Tahini one day, so i substituted some natural Peanut Butter and added some Chili Flakes. Turned out great!
Made this tonight and it was really tasty. It will definitely be part of my Vegan diet. Thanks for the great recipe.
Awesome. So glad you enjoyed it John!
Hi, I am making this for the first time.. I’m a newbie when it comes to using yeast. Do I just use active dry yeast?
No, you’ll need nutritional yeast, which is different. Here’s more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nutritional_yeast
Nutritional Yeast
Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning
http://www.bragg.com/products/yeast.html
You nailed it! I love this dressing and use it everywhere…it’s sooooo good. It feels so decadent and it bursts with flavor. This has become a staple in my fridge.