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You are here: Home / Salads / Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale Salad with Spicy Chick Pea Croutons

Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale Salad with Spicy Chick Pea Croutons

11/13/2017 by Deborah Brooks

Thanks for joining Sarah and me for Meatless Monday today. I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week! While I still have not finalized our menu yet, I am thinking about adding this Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale Salad with Spicy Chick Pea Croutons to the mix. I like to offer some lighter sides to pair with the heavier traditional Thanksgiving potatoes and stuffing. Adding the pomegranate seeds gives this hearty salad a nice festive look that will brighten up your holiday table.

Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale salad with Spicy Chick pea croutons

Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale Salad with Spicy Chick Pea Croutons

I am the first to admit that plain old kale is not so tasty. However, when you season and flavor it, the taste and texture morphs into a delicious and healthy side salad. One of the keys to a great kale salad is to “massage” the kale with a little olive oil and salt. Yep, get your hands right in there and give it a little rub and mix before adding in the other ingredients. This technique also allows the kale to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients you combine with it.

Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale Salad with Spicy Chick Pea Croutons

The other stars of this recipe are the Spicy Chick Pea Croutons. Besides being a great source of plant based protein and iron, Spicy Chick Peas are a delicious crunchy way to top your salad. While you can roast them in the oven, I prefer to pan fry them in a little olive oil. I used a smoked paprika powder on them to bring a subtle spice that pairs well with the lemon tahini dressing.

#KaleYeah add this festive and easy hearty kale #salad to your #Thanksgiving meal #vegan #GF

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While most salads tend to get a little soggy if you dress them in advance, this Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale Salad gets better after marrying the dressing with it. This allows the kale to soften up and absorb the flavors taking away the bitterness.

Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale Salad with chick pea croutons

This hearty and healthy Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale Salad with Spicy Chick Pea Croutons would be a fabulous side for your holiday dinner. Have family staying for the holidays? Offer this salad as a lighter lunch and watch your family reach for seconds.

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Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale Salad with Spicy Chick Pea Croutons

Creamy Lemon Tahini Kale Salad with Spicy Chick Pea Croutons

Ingredients

  • large bunch of kale (remove stems) chopped
  • 2/3 Cup pomegranate seeds
  • dressing:
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • juice of 2 whole lemons
  • 1/3 C Tahini paste
  • 1/4 C warm water
  • 1/3 C Olive oil
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 2 Tbl apple cider vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • For chick peas:
  • 1 15 oz can of chick peas (rinsed and dried on a paper towel)
  • drizzle of Olive oil
  • 1-2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Chop kale and transfer to a large mixing bowl
  2. drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt
  3. with you hands, massage kale so that it softens, set aside
  4. In a small bowl whisk together all dressing ingredients
  5. Drizzle onto kale and mix to combine
  6. sprinkle on pomegranate seeds set aside
  7. Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat to medium high
  8. Add chick peas to pan with more olive oil
  9. sprinkle on smoked paprika and salt
  10. pan fry until crispy, stirring often
  11. Layer chick pea croutons on top of salad and serve
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https://confessionsofamotherrunner.com/2017/11/13/creamy-lemon-tahini-kale-salad-spicy-chick-pea-croutons/

Tell me what are your favorite Holiday veggie sides? Kale Yeah or Kale No?

I am linking up w @Deborahbrooks14 @miss_whisk for @MeatlessMonday Come join us and find inspiration for your #holidaymeal

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Meatless Monday 2018| Lemon Tahini Kale Salad with Spicy Chick Pea Croutons

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Filed Under: Appetizers/Snacks, Gluten Free, Meatless Monday, Recipes, Salads Tagged With: gluten free, holiday, kale, meatless Monday, salads, Vegan

Meet Deborah

Hi I'm Deborah! I spend my days successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I've always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I've met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into. I love to keep up to date on new running & fitness trends. I definitely choose my running gear based on color and love to express my fashion sense while exercising.

Comments

  1. Annmarie says

    11/13/2017 at 6:35 am

    Tahini?, kale?, chickpeas?! #GETINMYBELLY

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 7:36 am

      They are a great combo aren’t they?!

  2. Wendy says

    11/13/2017 at 7:51 am

    Oh kale no! But I could see substituting spinach in for the kale. The tahini dressing sounds fabulous!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 12:32 pm

      spinach or any lettuce chopped would work. I love the dressing and have been using a ton on veggie power bowls as well

  3. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

    11/13/2017 at 8:33 am

    What a fun salad! I love the chick pea crouton idea with this!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 12:33 pm

      thanks they have become a staple around here

  4. Kim G says

    11/13/2017 at 9:06 am

    I love the idea of using chickpeas instead of regular croutons!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 12:38 pm

      You will love them!

  5. Debbie says

    11/13/2017 at 9:21 am

    Chickpea croutons…brilliant! This looks like a great holiday salad. I do love kale in my salads, but it definitely needs some care (massage) before preparing.
    Debbie recently posted…The Shoulder Injury Report: Tips and Treatments to Improve RecoveryMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 12:39 pm

      I thought you would like this one!

  6. Rachel says

    11/13/2017 at 9:35 am

    This looks so yummy! I love pomegranate and this dressing… mmmm!!!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 12:46 pm

      Thanks-I think they are a fun addition for color and texture

  7. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says

    11/13/2017 at 9:51 am

    How clever to use roasted chickpeas as croutons! That’s a great idea. Gotta steal it. 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 12:47 pm

      Great I hope you do!

  8. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    11/13/2017 at 10:36 am

    We’re on the same tahini wave length today! I can’t get enough of it right now. I need to try this – for some reason I haven’t been doing kale lately.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 12:47 pm

      I am into using tahini on everything lately it’s really good isn’t it?!

  9. Jessica Kuepfer says

    11/13/2017 at 11:55 am

    I have never thought of using chickpeas for croutons before. This sounds delicious!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 12:51 pm

      thanks so much hope you give it a try

  10. Patrick@looneyforfood.com says

    11/13/2017 at 12:04 pm

    This sounds so perfect and refreshing and the colors just pop!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 12:54 pm

      Thanks so much so glad you like it

  11. Kim Hatting says

    11/13/2017 at 12:50 pm

    This looks good…though, I am not familiar with tahini. The crunchy chick peas sound awesome!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 12:56 pm

      Tahini is a paste often used in hummus and other middle eastern type of foods. You can find it at your regular grocery store. I am kind of obsessed w the chick pea croutons at the moment

  12. Megan @ Meg Go Run says

    11/13/2017 at 1:42 pm

    Sometimes I am in the mood for kale and sometimes not. Mostly, I am okay if it is mixed in with lettuce! My hubby makes kale chips in the oven and that is sooooo good. I mean, anything with salt and oil on it is good, right!?

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 4:39 pm

      Well yes there’s always that! You can mix the kale with other lettuce as well.

  13. Becca | Rabbit Food Runner says

    11/13/2017 at 2:22 pm

    I love the idea of using chickpeas for croutons! And the pomegranates look lovely

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 4:58 pm

      thanks so much I am really into the croutons right now myself

  14. Abbey Sharp says

    11/13/2017 at 2:29 pm

    I am obsessed with tahini so this salad is a must!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 4:59 pm

      Thanks hope you enjoy!

  15. Sarah says

    11/13/2017 at 3:17 pm

    This looks amazing! Love all the flavors and the addition of tahini dressing and the chickpea croutons!!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 5:00 pm

      Thanks so much! Have a great week

  16. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    11/13/2017 at 4:03 pm

    What a great, gluten free alternative! I need to try this.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 5:00 pm

      thanks hope you enjoy it!

  17. Coco says

    11/13/2017 at 4:10 pm

    That looks delicious! I love the spicy chick pea croutons!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 5:01 pm

      I am kind of obsessed with them at the moment

  18. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    11/13/2017 at 5:07 pm

    I struggle with kale – maybe subbing spinach would work?
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Runner Rebuild Week 2My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 7:27 pm

      I think it would work really well with spinach or a romaine lettuce as well.

  19. dixya @food, pleasure, and health says

    11/13/2017 at 7:25 pm

    this is such a hearty looking salad…and i love all that toppings.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 7:30 pm

      Thanks so much it’s one of my favorites

  20. Kelly says

    11/13/2017 at 7:49 pm

    I’m down with lemon tahini anything, so this salad looks delish!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/13/2017 at 7:56 pm

      My faves too thanks!

  21. Emily says

    11/13/2017 at 8:36 pm

    Ooo yaass!! This is right up my alley! Love my salads 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 8:12 am

      Thanks! Me too so many ways to mix them up

  22. Mollie Mason | Holistic Health Nutrition says

    11/13/2017 at 8:40 pm

    This looks so so good. Can’t wait to try!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 8:18 am

      thanks so much!

  23. Jenn says

    11/13/2017 at 9:42 pm

    Basically, if there are chick peas, I am in 🙂

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 8:12 am

      They are good!

  24. Michelle Hartgraves says

    11/13/2017 at 10:49 pm

    I love chick peas but not sure about the tahini though, lol!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 8:13 am

      Try it you might like it!

  25. Erinn says

    11/14/2017 at 5:26 am

    This salad look absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to make it next week! I love the idea of pan frying chick peas … Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
    Erinn recently posted…Saturday Happenings – Baby Shower Recap!My Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 8:14 am

      The chick peas are the best part! Hope you enjoy it

  26. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    11/14/2017 at 6:58 am

    I like kale but I usually bake it in the oven and do not like it raw. But if it had a dressing on it, that may soften it up a bit and be more edible.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 8:17 am

      It definitely softens and picks up the flavors when you prepare it this way. You might be surprised!

  27. Kalee says

    11/14/2017 at 9:15 am

    This looks so yummy, and it’s so pretty too! Perfect for Thanksgiving!

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 7:24 pm

      Thanks so much

  28. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    11/14/2017 at 10:17 am

    I’m all about having a simple salad as a side at a holiday meal. Its always nice to have something light and refreshing in the midst of all of the traditionally heavy holiday foods.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Finding a Healthy Life BalanceMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 7:24 pm

      Yes I agree!

  29. Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says

    11/14/2017 at 4:50 pm

    Yum! I love the idea of using the chickpeas as croutons.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 7:28 pm

      I am kind of obsessed by them!

  30. Mary says

    11/14/2017 at 7:39 pm

    It’s definitely the season for kale topped with pomegranates, it looks very festive and Christmas-y. We got a tray of pomegranates from Costco and went right through it, putting them on almost every salad lately. I can definitely second the idea of paprika (or smoked paprika) on chickpeas, it’s a good combo!
    Mary recently posted…Fresh Peach Fig Chutney GarnishMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 9:09 pm

      Great hope you give it a try soon!

  31. Toni says

    11/14/2017 at 7:54 pm

    Looks amazing! Three of my favorite things-kale, pomegranates and chickpeas!
    Toni recently posted…2017 Cocoa Beach Half Marathon RecapMy Profile

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/14/2017 at 9:09 pm

      they are a great combo!

  32. jill conyers says

    11/15/2017 at 4:56 am

    I can’t wait to try pan frying the chickpeas. Geeky I know but baking never gets them crispy.

    • Deborah Brooks says

      11/15/2017 at 9:07 am

      I agree! I find pan frying is more effective if you like the crunch

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Hi, I’m Deborah

Successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I’ve always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I’ve met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into.
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Hi, I’m Deborah

Hi I'm Deborah! I spend my days successfully raising a husband & 2 teens in the VA/DC area. I am a lover of all things running & fitness. As a life long vegetarian, I've always been passionate about healthy living & exercise. Looking for partners in crime, I started my own chapter of Moms Run This Town (MRTT) which has grown to over 700 members. I've met so many amazing women who inspire me daily to keep moving forward. You can usually find me running with my crew and training for the next crazy adventure they talked me into. Read More…

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  You may have read my post the other day about some of my current bad running habits. One of them, is not stretching enough or doing enough injury prevention. When I was recently offered the chance to test out the Addaday Pro massager, I knew it was perfect timing to give my running habits […]

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