Kale salad with sesame butter, olive oil, honey and red pepper

This kale salad combines sesame butter, honey, and red pepper for a savory, sweet, and mildly spicy dressing. Massaging the kale tenderizes it, enhancing the overall flavors for a nutritious meal.

13 Nov 2025
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

5 cups kale
3 tbsp sesame butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tbsp red pepper (spice)
1/4 cup lemon juice
Kale salad with sesame butter, olive oil, honey and red pepper

This kale salad with sesame butter, olive oil, honey, and red pepper is a delightful and nutritious combination of flavors. It offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice, making it a refreshing and healthy choice for any meal. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this salad is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of kale while indulging in a rich and flavorful dressing.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Kale:
- Wash the kale thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Remove the tough stems and chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kale into a large salad bowl.
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sesame butter, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
- Stir the mixture until well combined. The dressing should be smooth and creamy.
3. Season the Kale:
- Pour the dressing over the kale in the large salad bowl.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the salad.

4. Massage the Kale:
- Using your hands, gently massage the dressing into the kale leaves. This helps to soften the kale and ensures that every leaf is evenly coated with the dressing. Continue massaging for about 2-3 minutes or until the kale becomes tender and slightly wilted.
5. Serve:
- Once the kale is well-dressed and seasoned, it's ready to serve. You can enjoy this kale salad immediately or let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together even more.
6. Optional:
- Feel free to customize your salad by adding additional toppings such as sliced almonds, toasted sesame seeds, slices of avocado, or cherry tomatoes.

This kale salad with sesame butter, olive oil, honey, and red pepper is a quick and easy dish that bursts with flavor and nutrition. With a combination of creamy, spicy, and sweet elements, it’s sure to become a favorite in your healthy recipe collection. Enjoy it as a side dish, a light meal, or even a topping for other dishes. Happy cooking!

Kale salad with sesame butter, olive oil, honey and red pepper FAQ:

How long should I massage the kale?

Massage the kale for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes tender and slightly wilted. This process helps to soften the leaves and evenly coat them with dressing.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other light oils such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, depending on your preference.

How can I store leftovers of this kale salad?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the kale may wilt further as it sits.

What other dressings could I use for this salad?

You can try using a tahini dressing, balsamic vinaigrette, or a creamy avocado dressing as alternatives to the sesame butter dressing.

Is there a substitute for sesame butter if I don't have it?

If you don't have sesame butter, you can use tahini as a substitute, as it has a similar texture and flavor profile.

Tips:

- Make sure to massage the kale leaves with the dressing ingredients. This will help to soften the leaves and distribute the flavors more evenly.

- For added texture, you can toast the sesame butter slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients.

- Adjust the red pepper according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder salad, you can reduce the amount slightly.

- To enhance the citrus flavor, you may also add some lemon zest to the dressing.

- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Nutrition per serving

5 Servings
Calories 90kcal
Protein 3.53g
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 3.67g
Sugar 1.83g
Fat 9g

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