Imagine a salad that's not just a boring pile of greens, but a mouthwatering explosion of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance! Our Crunchy Kale Chicken Salad is the game-changing recipe you've been waiting for - a perfect blend of crisp kale, tender chicken, and a symphony of toppings that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Get ready to fall in love with salad all over again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Kale, chopped
- Cooked chicken, diced
- Almonds, sliced
- Dried cranberries
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash the kale thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the tough stems and chop the kale leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, massage the chopped kale with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Gently massage for 2-3 minutes to soften the kale leaves and reduce their toughness.
- Dice the cooked chicken into small, uniform pieces. If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Add the diced chicken, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese to the massaged kale.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnishing with additional almonds or feta if desired.
Tips
- Massage your kale: Don't skip the massaging step! This technique breaks down the tough kale fibers, making it more tender and easier to eat.
- Temperature matters: Use room temperature or slightly warm chicken to help the dressing absorb better and enhance overall flavor.
- Toast nuts carefully: Watch your almonds closely while toasting - they can burn quickly. Keep them moving in the pan and remove from heat as soon as they're golden.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad actually gets better after sitting for 15-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Customize your protein: Rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving option, or swap for grilled shrimp or tofu for variety.
- Dressing tip: Make extra dressing and store in the refrigerator for quick future salad preparations.
- For extra crunch, consider adding some crispy bacon bits or homemade croutons as a garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
