15-Minute Chicken Orange Kale Salad
This vibrant salad combines tender rotisserie chicken with massaged kale, sweet orange slices, and tangy feta cheese. The honey-lemon vinaigrette perfectly balances the peppery kale while fresh raspberries add bursts of color and sweetness. Spicy pecans provide satisfying crunch, making this a complete meal that's both nutritious and filling. Perfect for lunch or light dinner, this salad showcases how simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, pulled and chopped
- 1 10 oz bag kale, washed and chopped
- 2 seedless oranges, sliced
- ¾ cup feta cheese
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup spicy pecans, or toastedtoasted walnuts1:1nuts
Milder flavor, similar crunch
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Mix the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper
- 2
Gradually blend in the oil, whisking thoroughly
- 3
Place the kale and onion in a large bowl
- 4
Add the dressing, setting aside 3 tablespoons, massaging it into the leaves
- 5
Allow to sit for 30 minutes
- 6
Place the kale mixture on a large platter adding the chopped chicken, orange slices, fresh raspberries, feta cheese and nuts
- 7
Drizzle the remaining dressing on top
- 8
Toss to serve
Tips
Massaging the kale with dressing for 30 minutes breaks down tough fibers and makes it more digestible and flavorful.
Toast your own pecans with a pinch of cayenne and salt for fresher flavor than store-bought spiced nuts.
Add the delicate raspberries just before serving to prevent them from breaking down and bleeding into the salad.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled salad up to 2 days. Store dressing separately and add just before serving to prevent wilting.
Prep all ingredients up to 1 day ahead. Massage kale with dressing 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
Serve immediately after final toss. Best at room temperature rather than cold from refrigerator.
Common Mistakes
Add raspberries at the very end to avoid them breaking down and making the salad soggy.
Don't overdress the final platter to avoid making the salad too heavy and masking individual flavors.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
Milder flavor, similar crunch
FAQ
Can I use baby kale instead of regular kale?
Yes, baby kale is more tender and requires less massaging time, about 10-15 minutes instead of 30 minutes.
What if I can't find spicy pecans?
Toast regular pecans in a dry pan for 3-4 minutes, then toss with a pinch of cayenne pepper and salt while warm.
How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The dressed salad keeps 2-3 days refrigerated, though the kale will continue to soften and the raspberries may break down slightly.