These Loaded Balsamic Kale Salad Bowls are loaded with tender sautéed kale, grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. This is a quick and easy dinner that is also great for weekly meal prep!
When it comes to salads, I want anything but a plain lettuce salad. I love to add a mix of greens such as spinach, cabbage and kale. But sometimes a simple kale or spinach salad also hits the spot! This Loaded Balsamic Kale Salad is a perfect healthy dinner that is also great for meal prep!
What ingredients do you need for Loaded Balsamic Kale Salads?
- Butter or Olive Oil
- Minced Garlic
- Kale
- Balsamic Grilled Chicken or rotisserie chicken
- Tomatoes
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Basil
- Balsamic dressing
How do you make a kale salad?
- Combine the sliced tomatoes and basil in a small bowl, stir and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet to medium heat and when hot add olive oil or butter and minced garlic. Saute the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped kale and toss continuously for 30 seconds to 1 minute and remove from the skillet when it has turned a dark green and has wilted slight.
- To make the salads: Add the sautéed kale to each bowl, top with Balsamic Grilled Chicken or rotisserie chicken, fresh mozzarella and tomato basil mixture and a drizzle of balsamic dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.
How do you make kale more tender?
While I like the texture kale provides it can be tough and bitter. There are two ways to easily prepare kale for a salad. In this recipe I sauté the kale in butter or olive oil along with a little mixed garlic. A quick toss in a hot skillet can soften the kale and make a great warm salad.
For this method heat a skillet to medium heat, add the butter or olive oil and minced garlic. Add the chopped kale and toss with tongs quickly. Allow to cook 30 seconds to 1 minute until the color depends into a rich green and the leaves have slightly wilted.
The second method is to massage the kale. If you prefer a cold salad this is the best option for you. Add chopped kale olive oil, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl and massage the greens with your hands for 3-5 minutes. Working the kale helps to tenderize the leaves.
What are some other healthy dinner recipes?
- Keto Tuscan Chicken with Asparagus
- Thai Chicken Salad
- Grilled Zucchini Hummus Wrap
- No Bean Keto Chili
- Greek Chicken Skewers
Loaded Balsamic Kale Salad Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 cups kale stems removed and chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil sliced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese cubbed
- 3-4 cups cooked chicken We used this Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- ½ cup Balsamic Vinegar Salad Dressing
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the sliced tomatoes and basil in a small bowl, stir and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet to medium heat and when hot add olive oil or butter and minced garlic. Saute the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped kale and toss continuously for 30 seconds to 1 minute and remove from the skillet when it has turned a dark green and has wilted slight.
- Assemble salads: Add the sautéed kale to each bowl, top with chicken, fresh mozzarella and tomato basil mixture and a drizzle of balsamic dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.