Chicken and Kale Salad with Pistachios is the perfect recipe to make for an easy lunch or dinner. Filled with clean and nutritious ingredients, it is both satisfying and delicious.

Chicken Kale Salad in a bowl with toppings.

Sometimes all I want for lunch or dinner is a salad bigger than my face. Can you relate?

If so, you’ll want to make this delicious kale salad.

This salad is inspired by one of my favorite Tampa restaurants. I am not exaggerating when I say that I dream about this salad.

With that being said, I had to take matters into my own hand so that I could make this salad whenever the craving hits.

Whether you’re a salad lover like myself or just trying to add some extra greens to your diet…this recipe is for you!

Main Ingredients

Ingredients in bowls to make Kale and Chicken Salad with Pistachios.

Health Benefits of Kale

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods that we consume in the world. A single cup of raw kale contains more than double the daily amount suggested for both Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

In addition, kale is a great source of minerals and antioxidants that people don’t get enough of in their diet habits.

Lucky for you, this Chicken and Kale Salad contains all of these nutritional benefits to fuel your body.

How to Make Chicken and Kale Salad with Pistachios

  1. If you still need to roast the butternut squash, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake for about 40 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through
  2. Prepare the kale by chopping it if you didn’t buy it pre chopped
  3. Add the olive oil and massage the kale until all the kale has been coated in olive oil. It should also have a softer look/texture
  4. Drizzle over the lemon juice and mix
  5. I use a rotisserie chicken from the store but you can also make your own shredded chicken at home
  6. Add all of the toppings except the burrata cheese
  7. Mix until combined
  8. Top the salad with burrata cheese
  9. Enjoy!
Kale in a large serving bowl
Kale in a bowl that has been massaged with olive oil
Shredded chicken on top of kale
Add the shredded chicken
Adding roasted pistachios to the salad
Add the roasted pistachios, you can also chop these before adding if desired.
Butternut squash added to the bowl
Top with the roasted butternut squash
The chopped dried cherries are added on top of the other ingredients.
And dried cherries
Chicken and Kale Salad mixed and ready to be eaten.
Mix together and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to massage the kale for this salad?

You don’t HAVE to…however, I find that when you massage the kale with the olive oil, it softens the kale, making it easier to eat and adds a delicious flavor.

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

You can use any cheese that you’d like! I would suggest crumbled goat cheese, feta cheese, shaved parmesan or anything else you think would marry well with the other ingredients.

Are there other alternatives to the dried cherries?

You can add dried cranberries, blueberries, apples, apricots or any other dried fruit you would like to pair with the other ingredients.

What dressings pair best with this salad?

Most of the time I like to keep it simple with the olive oil and lemon that is mixed in with the kale.

However, when I am looking to add more flavor I like to add a simple balsamic vinaigrette or honey dijon dressing.

Can I double the recipe for this salad if? I’m cooking for a big group.

Yes! Just multiply the amount of ingredients by the amount of servings you would like to make.

The recipe card below also has a multiplier button you can use to automatically adjust the ingredients.

How do I store this salad if there are leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

Chicken and Kale salad in a bowl with toppings.
Kale and Chicken Salad in a bowl to be served.
5 stars (4 ratings)

Chicken and Kale Salad with Pistachios

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Chicken and Kale Salad with Pistachios is the perfect recipe to make for an easy lunch or dinner. Filled with clean and nutritious ingredients, it is both satisfying and delicious.
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Ingredients
 

  • 12-16 oz kale, chopped (about 2 bunches of kale)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon, juice only
  • 1/2 butternut squash, cubed
  • 1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted pistachios
  • 8 oz burrata cheese
  • 16 oz shredded chicken

Instructions
 

  • If you still need to roast the butternut squash, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake for about 40 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through
  • Prepare the kale by chopping it if you didn't buy it pre chopped
  • Add the olive oil and massage the kale until all the kale has been coated in olive oil. It should also have a softer look/texture
  • Drizzle over the lemon juice and mix
  • I use a rotisserie chicken from the store but you can also make your own shredded chicken at home
  • Add all of the toppings except the burrata cheese
  • Mix until combined
  • Top the salad with burrata cheese
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 442kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 92mg, Sodium: 109mg, Potassium: 850mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 15385IU, Vitamin C: 86mg, Calcium: 423mg, Iron: 3mg
Author: Jessica Selensky
Course: Appetizer, dinner, lunch
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken and Kale Salad, chopped kale salad, easy healthy recipes, Easy Meals, healthy dinners, healthy lunch, kale recipes, kale salad

If you try this Chicken and Kale Salad recipe, please consider leaving a rating and comment at the end of this blog post. It is incredibly helpful to my small business and to your fellow readers!