Easy Citrus Kale Salad With Grilled Chicken
This vibrant and nutritious Easy Citrus Kale Salad recipe features grilled chicken, juicy oranges, crunchy pumpkin seeds, creamy goat feta, and tangy dried cranberries—the best kale salad for a refreshing summer meal.
Servings: 4
Calories: 458kcal
Ingredients
- 1 Kale Curly, medium size
- 2 Oranges Segmented
- 3 Beets Roasted and cubes
- 4 Chicken breast Grilled and sliced
- 3/4 cup Feta cheese Goat, sheep or cow
- 1/2 cup Pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup Dried cranberries
Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Recipe in the notes
Instructions
- Preparing the ChickenMarinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavor.How to Roast BeetsPreheat Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).Prepare Beets: Wash, trim, and optionally peel beets.Cut Beets: Slice into rounds, wedges, or cubes.Season: Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.Roast: Bake for 30-40 minutes until tender, checking with a fork.Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips. If you don't have a grill, you can also use rotisserie chicken.Assembling the SaladPrepare the Kale: Grab bunches of the kale leaves and remove them from the steam. Chop the kale. Place kale in a large bowl or salad bowl. I like to use curly kale, but you can also use lacinato kale or dinosaur kale; just make sure to massage for a longer time to break down the fiber. Add a pinch of salt and drizzle a little olive oil over the kale. Massage the kale with your hands for a few minutes until it becomes tender and slightly wilted. Add the Ingredients: Add the orange segments, pumpkin seeds, beets, crumbled goat feta, and dried cranberries to the kale.Add the Grilled Chicken: Place the sliced grilled chicken on the salad and sprinkle with black pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
Calories: 458kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 633mg | Potassium: 1250mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 630IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 197mg | Iron: 2mg