Creamy Tahini Kale Salad with Chicken Sausage & Crunchy Chickpeas
Creamy, tahini and lemon-based dressing dresses up lacinato kale making each leaf more delicious! Browned chicken sausage disks, seasoned crunchy chickpeas and shaved parmesan make this recipe irresistible!
4cupschopped lacinato kaleribs removed; also called "dino kale"
2linkscooked chicken sausageany flavor; I used chicken apple
4tbsp.shaved parmesan cheese or less if using grated/shredded
spiced chickpeas
115-oz. canchickpeas/garbanzo beansdrained, rinsed and dried on a paper towel
2tbsp.olive or avocado oil
1tsp.chili powder
1 tsp.garlic powder
1tsp.paprika
1tsp.kosher salt
1tsp.black pepper
creamy tahini dressing
1tbsp.tahini paste aka sesame seed paste
1tbsp.plain greek yogurt
1tbsp.water
juice from 1/2 a lemon
1tsp.kosher salt
1/2tsp.black pepper
1tsp.honey
2tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
Start by slicing chicken sausage into 1/8" disks. Warm a skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Place disks into pan and cook for 2 minutes per side or until slightly charred. Remove from pan and discard any bits if necessary.
In a mixing bowl, make spiced chickpeas by combining chickpeas with olive oil and all spices. Use a spoon to mix well so all chickpeas are well coated.
In same pan you cooked chicken sausage, place chickpeas. Let cook, shaking the pan every 2 minutes or so, until chickpeas are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside - about 10 minutes total. Remove from heat.
Whisk together all ingredients for the creamy tahini dressing, adjusting the seasoning as needed. If too bitter, add a little more honey and/or yogurt.
While chickpeas roast stovetop, assemble salads: In two bowls, divide chopped kale making sure to only use leaves, not middle ribs. Top each bowl with a good amount of dressing and use salad tongs to massage and coat leaves well.
Arrange chicken sausage disks on top of salad, then add chickpeas and your shaved parmesan cheese. Add more dressing on top and enjoy warm or room temperature! Dressing will keep in refrigerator for 3+ days.