Looking for a fresh and vibrant salad that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling energized? Look no further than this Chicken Apple Bacon Kale Salad! Packed with nutrient-rich kale, sweet apples, crispy bacon, and crunchy walnuts, this dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or hosting a gathering, this salad is sure to impress. Plus, with a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of only 10 minutes, you can whip it up in no time! Get ready to elevate your salad game and discover why this recipe is a must-try!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 apple, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the kale thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Chop the kale into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Massage the kale with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes to soften the leaves and reduce their toughness.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
- Dice the apple into small, uniform cubes. To prevent browning, you can toss the apple pieces with a little lemon juice.
- Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the crumbled bacon, diced apple, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese to the massaged kale.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
Tips
- Kale Massage Magic: Don't skip the massaging step! Gently massaging the kale with olive oil and salt for a few minutes softens the leaves, making them more palatable and less tough.
- Bacon Bliss: For an extra flavor boost, consider using flavored bacon, such as applewood smoked, to add a delicious smoky taste to your salad.
- Apple Selection: Choose a crisp, tart apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in your salad.
- Nutty Toasting: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Keep a close eye on them while toasting, as they can burn quickly!
- Dressing Variations: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a drizzle of honey can elevate the flavor profile even further.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Simply add your protein of choice on top before serving!
- Make Ahead: If you're prepping this salad in advance, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the kale from wilting.With these tips in hand, you're all set to create a delicious Chicken Apple Bacon Kale Salad that will leave everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
