Description

This Kale & Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken is a vibrant, nutrient-dense meal packed with roasted sweet potatoes, tender chicken, and fresh kale tossed in a flavorful homemade dressing. Perfect for meal prep, this healthy salad is high in protein, rich in fiber, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2–3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup nuts or seeds (almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds)
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss cubed sweet potatoes with 1–2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
While the sweet potatoes roast, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice or shred.
In a large bowl, massage chopped kale with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for 1–2 minutes until softened.
In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Add roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, red onion, and nuts or seeds to the kale.
Drizzle with dressing and toss well to combine.
Top with feta cheese if desired and serve.

Notes

Massaging kale helps soften texture and reduce bitterness.Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.Add quinoa, farro, or brown rice for extra heartiness.Try dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a sweet contrast.Keep dressing separate when storing for best freshness.