This kale and bean salad is the most delicious and easy salad recipe you can make. All you need is a handful of fresh ingredients, canned black beans and frozen corn. The tasty dressing is made by combining my favorite ingredient, tahini, with cilantro and lime juice in a blender. This one comes together so quickly and tastes amazing. This recipe is 100% vegan, gluten free, oil-free and allergy friendly. Eat it on it's own or with chips or even over rice for a delicious and fresh meal
Why you will love this recipe
This Kale and bean salad has so many merits! First and foremost, it's an easy recipe to make. So easy, even a beginner can make it! It also comes together super quick. You only need about 10 minutes to whip up this beautiful summery recipe. This recipe is so fresh and tasty despite being so basic and beginner friendly. It's like cowboy caviar and chopped salad had a beautiful and delicious baby! The dressing on this kale salad is surprisingly made by blending tahini with cilantro and lime. I have had people tell me that they don't like tahini because it is bitter but in this salad it is perfectly balanced with the other flavors. Another lovable thing about this chopped kale salad is that it utilizes easy to find ingredients, and some are pantry staples!
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What is so great about kale?
You know how much I love kale, just look at the repertoire of kale recipes on my blog! But why do I love kale so dang much? First of all it is super nutritious. It is full of fiber and vitamins. Secondly, I love how hardy it is in salads. Kale greens do not wilt like lettuce when dressed. They get tender but not sad and shriveled which makes them ideal for salads that are premade like this one. Kale makes the perfect base in this Kale and Bean salad. If you find kale hard to eat, try massaging it for a couple of minutes with some olive oil and salt before adding the other ingredients. You will be really surprised at how tender it can be!
Ingredients for Kale and Bean Salad
This kale and bean salad utilizes fresh, frozen and canned ingredients which makes it an ideal meal for all seasons. If avocados are not around, try adding walnuts or hemp seeds instead for some healthy fats.
- Kale- Kale is full of vitamins and minerals plus it is hardy enough to be dressed in advance!
- Black beans- Black beans add more satiating protein and fiber to this salad. Plus they are cheap and taste great!
- Cucumbers- I love how crunchy and hydrating cucumbers are!
- Cherry tomatoes- Cherry tomatoes are my go to tomato for salads. They always have the best flavor year round!
- Scallion Scallions lend a little oniony bite to this flavor palette. If you love onions like I do, substitute chopped red onions for a stronger flavor.
- Frozen corn- Frozen corn is the best pantry staple! It is cheap and great to add to salads and almost any dish to bump up the veggie content.
- Orange bell pepper- I love colorful dishes and contrast in my recipes color schemes so choosing orange and red bell peppers is always my MO.
- Avocados-Avocado lends a buttery and smooth texture to the salad. The lime juice in the dressing will keep them green for a couple of days but if you are making this for a party and want ultimate greenery, add the avocado when serving.
- Tahini- Tahini is made with ground sesame seeds and makes this dressing have a creamy base with nutty and bitter undertones.
- Limes- Lime juice gives this salad a citrusy zest that makes the flavors pop! It also acts as a preservative.
- Pure maple syrup- I always use pure maple syrup for my sweetener of choice. If you prefer to use agave, date syrup, honey or sugar, feel free.
- Cilantro- Cilantro gives this summer salad a fresh zip that is delicious and different.
How to Make Summer Kale and Bean Salad
This salad is so quick and easy to make. Simply chop the ingredients, blend the dressing and mix!
- Chop the veggies! Be sure to use a sharp knife and a cutting board.
- Optionally Massage the kale! This will make the kale more tender for anyone who is sensitive to "health food"
- Make the dressing- Blending tahini, cilantro, lime juice, water, salt and maple syrup in a blender until smooth.
- Dress the salad-Pour dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
Other fresh kale salad recipes
Kale and Bean Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bunch kale (about 3 cups) stems removed and shredded
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 4 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber diced
- 10 cherry tomatoes cut in quarters
- 3 scallions white and green parts diced
- 2 cups frozen corn thawed
- 1 orange bell pepper diced
- 2 avocados peeled and diced
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
- ½ bunch cilantro leaves and stems chopped
- 2 pinches salt
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- In a large bowl add kale and optionally massage with oil and salt before adding other veggies. Then add peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, corn, beans and avocado.
- Make the dressing by blending tahini, cilantro, lime juice, water, salt and maple syrup in a blender until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
- Eat within 3 days.
Zachah Koufalisg
This salad was hearty and kept me satiated. I been on a muscle building kick and the protein content drew me to this salad. The cilantro 🌿 dressing compliments the avocado and black beans, it was like eating a taco salad without the guilt of the tortilla shell. Super yummy!
Sara Tercero
Awesome, thanks for the 5 star rating! So happy you liked it