This hearty kale salad is packed with flavor, texture, and nourishing ingredients. Crisp apples, sweet cranberries, sharp cheddar, and tender chicken come together with a tangy maple dressing for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal.
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken, lightly seasoned with kosher salt
- 8 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 6 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, diced
- ⅛ cup shallot, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds, toasted
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
- 1–2 teaspoons avocado oil (for roasting)
- Salt, to taste
- Apple Cider Maple Dressing (see below)
Directions
1. Prep the Kale
- Wash and thoroughly dry the kale.
- Remove stems and chop leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Place kale in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and about 1 tablespoon of dressing.
- Massage the kale for 1–2 minutes, until softened and deep green.
2. Cook the Chicken & Cauliflower
- Grill or roast the chicken until fully cooked, then slice or chop.
- Toss cauliflower florets with avocado oil and a pinch of salt.
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
3. Assemble the Salad
- Toss sliced apples with 1 tablespoon of dressing to prevent browning.
- Add apples, cranberries, cheddar cheese, and shallots to the kale.
- Drizzle with 2–3 tablespoons of dressing and toss well.
4. Add Protein & Finish
- Lightly toss cooked chicken and roasted cauliflower with a bit of dressing.
- Add to the salad and gently combine.
- Top with toasted sunflower seeds.
Apple Cider Maple Dressing
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, and maple syrup.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Adjust sweetness with additional maple syrup if desired.
Nutrition Highlights
- Fiber-rich from kale and cauliflower
- Protein-packed with chicken and cheese
- Healthy fats from olive oil and seeds
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup