Kale Salad with Chicken

Kale Salad with Chicken

A hearty yet light kale salad topped with juicy pan-seared chicken breast, toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. Massaging the kale softens its texture and tames any bitterness, making this a satisfying, nutrient-packed dinner the whole family will love.

4 servings · Prep 20 min · Cook 15 min · Total 35 min

American · Dinner · Salad

Chicken

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Main

  • 8 cup curly kale ribs removed, leaves roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup sliced almonds toasted
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese shaved or coarsely grated
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 whole red onion thinly sliced

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil extra-virgin
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Pie Dish
  • Whisk
  • Plates
  • Knife
  • Tongs
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
  • Meat Thermometer

Instructions

  1. Pat the @[Chicken Breast] dry and season both sides with @[Garlic Powder], @[Kosher Salt], and @[Black Pepper]. Heat ~[1 tablespoon] of @[Olive Oil] in a #[Skillet] over ^[medium-high heat] until shimmering. Add the @[Chicken Breast] and cook for ~[6–7 minutes] per side, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches %[165°F]. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for ~[5 minutes], then slice thinly against the grain.
  2. While the @[Chicken Breast] cooks, toast the @[Sliced Almonds] in a dry #[Skillet] over ^[medium heat] for ~[2–3 minutes], stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a small #[Mixing Bowl], whisk together the @[Extra-Virgin Olive Oil], fresh @[Lemon Juice], @[Dijon Mustard], minced @[Garlic], and @[Honey] (if using). Season with a pinch of @[Sea Salt] and taste to adjust.
  4. Place the @[Curly Kale] in a large #[Mixing Bowl]. Drizzle about half the dressing over the @[Curly Kale] and massage it with your hands for ~[1–2 minutes] until the leaves soften and turn a deeper green.
  5. Add the @[Cherry Tomatoes] and @[Red Onion] to the massaged @[Curly Kale] and toss to combine. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss again.
  6. Divide the salad among bowls or plates. Top with sliced @[Chicken Breast], toasted @[Sliced Almonds], and shaved @[Parmesan Cheese]. Serve immediately.