Baby Kale, Strawberry, Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts and Raspberry Vinaigrette (OMG)

 Baby Kale, Strawberry, Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts and Raspberry Vinaigrette (OMG)

This salad is incredible and comes together so quickly. It's perfect for lunch or dinner on a hot summer night. It's a restaurant quality salad on the table in less than 10 minutes.

And it's healthy.

Kale is packed with vitamins K, A and C, (a serving has more than 800 percent of your daily vitamin K needs);  walnuts have Omega 3 fatty acids, and the nuts and chicken give it protein to keep you full longer.

However, sunflower seeds do add a lot of calories and fat, so if you're watching your waistline, you may want to omit those and double up on strawberries.

A sprinkle of goat cheese crumbles is great on this salad, too.

If you can't find baby kale, you can substitute spinach or arugula. I bought baby kale in a plastic tub next to other salad greens.

It's important to use honey roasted sunflower seeds as it adds sweetness. I used applewood smoked chicken, but that is not available at all stores, so regular is fine. I would stick with traditional and not use a lemon-pepper chicken.

Dress this salad with your favorite raspberry vinaigrette. I used Walmart's generic brand, Great Value, and it was awesome. Enjoy this healthy, EASY meal.



Baby Kale, Strawberry, Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts and Raspberry Vinaigrette

3 cups baby kale greens
2 tablespoons honey roasted sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons candied or glazed walnuts
4 strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chopped rotisserie chicken
1 tablespoon dried cranberries (optional)
Your favorite raspberry vinaigrette

Spread kale on a large plate. Top with all the other ingredients. Toss with vinaigrette and serve.

 I like this with a crisp white wine.