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Healthy Chicken Kale Salad – This kale chicken salad is so easy and packed to the max with goodies! It is made with a combo of grilled chicken, kale, cauliflower, tomato, parmesan, and cranberries in a honey-chipotle dressing. A real paleo / gluten-free staple when dinner calls and you need something a little more creative – enjoy!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients list for the Healthy Kale Chicken Salad
- 2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless (or rotisserie chicken, see note)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 bunch of kale, stem removed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper
- 1 cup riced cauliflower
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, or raisins
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup chipotle sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the chicken kale salad: In a large bowl, thoroughly massage chopped kale with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Allow resting while cooking chicken.
2. In a large shallow plate, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Cayenne, and soy sauce. Marinate chicken for 5 minutes; then cook on each side over medium-low in a large skillet with one tablespoon oil – about 8 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove to a cutting board and allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before dicing with a sharp knife.
3. In a large salad bowl, combine chopped kale, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cranberries, parmesan, and diced chicken. Combine chipotle dressing and honey in a small bowl and drizzle over the chicken salad then toss to combine. Serve the chicken kale salad immediately. Enjoy!
Tips for the Chicken Kale Salad with Cauliflower
This chicken kale and cauliflower salad is light, packed with flavor, and super easy to make! This is the perfect solution to an easy dinner, but will also make wonders for your picnics or potlucks. Here are a few tips for making the most of the chicken kale cauliflower salad.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for this salad recipe, just skip the marinade step. This honey lime grilled chicken recipe also works great for the recipe.
- If you’re not a fan of chipotle sauce, a good dash of sriracha is a good substitute.
- Chill the chicken kale cauliflower salad before serving, this allows the kale to break down and the flavors to meld together.
What kale should I use for the chicken parmesan kale salad?
Any type of kale will work: curly, Lacinato kale (also known as dino kale). Just make sure to remove the stem, or you will end up with very tough bits in your chicken kale cauliflower salad!
How can I make cauliflower rice?
You can buy riced cauliflower in bags at the grocery store, or simply make your own cauliflower rice by using a box grater and grate quartered cauliflower chunks. A quick pulse in a food processor works also great. It’s quick and super easy!
Can I make the chicken kale cauliflower salad ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken kale cauliflower salad up to a day in advance, keeping it in your refrigerator until ready to serve or stacking up in meal prep containers. Keep the leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
More chicken salad recipes you might like
- Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
- Healthy Spinach Chicken Salad with Cauliflower
- Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Pesto, Avocado, and Tomato
- Roasted Chicken Parmesan Kale Salad
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
