Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary masterpiece that combines the delicate texture of baby kale, the rich flavor of succulent chicken, and the sweet burst of juicy cherries. This Baby Kale Chicken Cherry Salad is about to revolutionize your lunch routine, offering a perfect balance of nutrition, flavor, and pure gastronomic excitement. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe promises to be your new go-to favorite that will leave you craving more with every single bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby kale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing the baby kale thoroughly under cold running water and patting dry with paper towels.
- If not already prepared, shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands. Ensure chicken is at room temperature.
- Pit and halve the fresh cherries, removing any stems or hard parts. Cut them into uniform halves for even distribution in the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently place the baby kale leaves as the base of the salad, creating a soft, green foundation.
- Layer the shredded chicken evenly over the baby kale, ensuring good coverage across the salad.
- Sprinkle the halved cherries across the salad, distributing them uniformly for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, allowing small chunks to fall naturally across the ingredients.
- Add chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture, scattering them gently to provide consistent nutty elements.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, using a light hand to ensure even coating without overwhelming the ingredients.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently tossing the salad to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately to maintain the freshness of the baby kale and the crispness of the walnuts.
Tips
- Always use fresh, crisp baby kale for the best texture and flavor. Thoroughly wash and dry the leaves to ensure maximum crunchiness.
- For the most tender chicken, use leftover roasted or grilled chicken, or quickly poach chicken breasts for the most succulent results.
- When pitting cherries, use a cherry pitter for quick and clean preparation. If you don't have one, carefully remove pits with a small knife.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of complexity to the salad.
- For the best flavor, use a high-quality balsamic vinaigrette or make your own fresh dressing to elevate the entire dish.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to prevent the baby kale from wilting and maintain the perfect crisp texture.
- For a protein boost, consider adding a few extra tablespoons of crumbled feta or a sprinkle of grilled chicken for added substance.Pro Tip: This salad is incredibly versatile – feel free to customize with seasonal ingredients or your favorite add-ins to make it uniquely yours!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg
