Description
Crisp kale dances with juicy strawberries and tender chicken in this Mediterranean-inspired Strawberry Feta Kale Salad, creating a symphony of fresh flavors. Creamy feta and zesty vinaigrette elevate each refreshing bite, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
Greens and Fruits:
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
Dressing and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and season chicken breasts with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Roast chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete cooking and juicy texture.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin, elegant strips across the grain.
- Thoroughly wash and de-stem kale, then chop into bite-sized pieces, massaging leaves to tenderize and reduce bitterness.
- Rinse strawberries and slice into delicate, uniform pieces for visual appeal and balanced flavor distribution.
- Create vibrant dressing by whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
- Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Assemble salad by layering massaged kale as the base, then strategically arranging sliced chicken, strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle prepared dressing evenly over salad, ensuring each ingredient is lightly coated.
- Garnish with toasted almonds for added crunch and nutty complexity, then serve immediately to maintain optimal texture and temperature.
Notes
- Massage kale gently to break down tough fibers, making it more tender and less bitter for a smoother eating experience.
- Customize protein by substituting chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
- Toast almonds carefully, watching closely to prevent burning and ensure a perfect golden-brown color that adds delightful crunch.
- Store leftover salad components separately to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients, mixing just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 496
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 451 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg