A healthy soy-free chicken teriyaki kale salad made with tender massaged lacinato kale leaves and a flavorful Asian inspired dressing. The perfect, healthy kale salad to prep for lunches or a quick weeknight meal.
Soy-free Chicken Teriyaki Kale Salad!
I know it is ANOTHER kale salad recipe, but you have to admit that it sounds pretty darn delicious!
I may post many vegetable recipes, but I do promise they are never boring, and this teriyaki massaged kale salad is bursting with flavor and OH. SO. PRETTY.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients & What you need to make Soy-free Chicken Teriyaki Kale Salad
Kale
Lacinato kale is used in this recipe but if you can’t find it you can also substitute curly kale. I just recommend you buy the fresh bunches and not the kale found chopped and packaged.
Red Cabbage
Gives this teriyaki salad a great crunch and more nutrients to this already healthy salad.
Bell peppers, Radishes and Carrots
Make up the rest of the massaged kale salad vegetables. They impart loads of flavor and nutrients to this Asian inspired dish.
Coconut Aminos
Is the base ingredient used in the salad dressing. Coconut aminos are a great soy-free alternative to soy sauce.
Toasted Sesame Oil
Adds a big punch of flavor to the salad dressing that pairs perfectly with the coconut aminos and lime juice.
Cilantro
Is used in the dressing and adds a fresh, robust flavor that enhances not only the flavor in the dressing but all the vegetables.
Chicken
Cubed up chicken breasts are used in this massaged kale salad. They are simply pan-fried and then tossed with a delicious teriyaki sauce.
No-Soy Teriyaki Sauce
I use Primal Kitchen’s No-soy Teriyaki sauce for my chicken. However, you can substitute your favorite teriyaki sauce or just leave it off all together.
How to Make Soy-free Chicken Teriyaki Kale Salad
- Start by removing the ribs from the Lacinato kale and coarsely chopping the leaves. Add the kale to a large bowl and drizzle two teaspoons of olive oil on top. Use your hands to massage the leaves until tender. This will probably take 1-2 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers, red cabbage, radishes, carrots, green onion, cashews and sesame seeds to the massaged kale and toss to combine. Set aside and start working on the Asian inspired dressing.
- Grab a jar with a lid and add all the dressing ingredients to it and shake to combine. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to mix together the salad dressing.
- Next you want to cut the chicken into 1-2 inch cubes and pat dry with a paper towel and then sprinkle with salt.
- Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and once it is hot add the avocado oil. Sear the chicken 1-2 minutes a side or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and add to a bowl. Toss the chicken with teriyaki sauce, if using.
- Next you want to toss the salad with half the dressing and divide among bowls. Top with chicken and serve immediately.
Why Should I Massage Kale Leaves?
Massaging the kale leaves reduces the bitterness, makes them more tender and enjoyable to eat and is supposed to make them easier to digest.
Overall, it makes for a better kale eating experience. One where you don’t feel like you are choking on small, prickly trees pretending you enjoy eating kale salads. I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t already.
FAQS and Tip for Making Soy-free Chicken Teriyaki Kale Salad
Where do I buy the No-Soy Teriyaki Sauce?
- I usually buy the Primal Kitchen No-Soy Teriyaki sauce because it is delicious and incredibly convenient. You can find it at most local grocery stores or on Amazon. Feel free to substitute your favorite teriyaki sauce or make your own. There are other soy-free teriyaki options at your local grocery store.
Is there a substitute for Lacinato Kale?
- Yes, you can substitute another variety of kale. It will probably impart a slightly different flavor and texture but still equally delicious.
Looking for more healthy recipes? Check these out
Vegan Curried Lentil Kale Stew
Creamy Southwest Kale and Roasted Potato Salad
Soy-free Chicken Teriyaki Kale Salad
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A healthy soy-free chicken teriyaki kale salad made with tender massaged lacinato kale leaves and a flavorful Asian inspired dressing. The perfect, healthy kale salad to prep for lunches or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Kale Salad
5 cups lacinato kale, stems removed and chopped
2 teaspoons olive oil (for massaging kale)
1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
2 cups sliced red cabbage
3 radishes sliced
2 carrots, sliced
1/2 cup sliced green onion
1/2 cup chopped cashews
2-3 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional)
Dressing
¼ cup coconut aminos
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
5 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Teriyaki Chicken
1lb chicken, cubed
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons avocado oil
¼ cup teriyaki sauce (I used Primal Kitchen No-Soy Teriyaki) (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl add the chopped lacinato kale and two teaspoons of olive oil and use your hands to massage the leaves until tender. Approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add the remaining salad ingredients to the kale and toss to combine. Set aside.
- Add all the dressing ingredients to a jar with a lid and shake to combine. Set aside.
- Cut the chicken into 1-2 inch cubes and pat dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt.
- Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and once hot add the avocado oil. Sear the chicken 1-2 minutes a side or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and toss with teriyaki sauce, if using.
- Toss the salad with half the dressing and divide among bowls. Top with chicken and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
Keywords: Teriyaki Kale Salad, soy-free Teriyaki Kale Salad, paleo Teriyaki Kale Salad, healthy teriyaki chicken kale salad, no soy chicken teriyaki,
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