This hearty High-Fiber Chicken Salad with Kale & Arugula is everything you want in a nourishing meal, bright, crunchy, and packed with flavor. With juicy seasoned chicken thighs, crisp veggies, and a simple homemade vinaigrette, this salad will keep you full for hours thanks to its high fiber content and balanced protein. Whether you're prepping lunches for the week or need a quick dinner that feels fresh and energizing, this one’s a keeper!
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Super Satisfying: The combo of fiber-rich greens and protein-packed chicken keeps you full and energized.
- Meal Prep Hero: It stores beautifully in the fridge—just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat.
- Bold, Balanced Flavor: From smoky paprika to tangy mustard vinaigrette, every bite is layered with taste.
- Nutrient Dense: Loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats from whole-food ingredients.
- Quick & Easy: Comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cooking.
TIPS & TRICKS FOR SUCCESS
- Massage Your Greens: This step isn’t just for fun—massaging kale breaks down its fibers and makes it more tender and digestible.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Resting prevents the juices from running out so your chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
- Customize It: Add chickpeas, quinoa, or avocado for extra fiber or healthy fats.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This salad works great with pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken if you're short on time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
- Yes! Chicken breast works well here—just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out faster than thighs.
- How long does it keep in the fridge?
- The components will keep for up to 4 days if stored separately. Add the dressing right before serving.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mustard and vinegar if you're sensitive to trace ingredients.
WHAT EACH INGREDIENT DOES
- Kale: Rich in fiber and vitamins A, C, and K; supports digestion and satiety.
- Arugula: Peppery greens packed with antioxidants and minerals; adds flavor and nutrients.
- Avocado oil: Heart-healthy fat used to soften greens and cook chicken; high smoke point.
- Bell pepper: Crunchy and sweet, full of vitamin C and fiber.
- Cucumber: Hydrating and low-calorie, adds refreshing crunch.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with lycopene and natural sweetness.
- Chicken thighs: Juicier than breast, high in protein and iron.
- Paprika, turmeric, oregano, garlic & onion powder: Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting spices that also add deep flavor.
- White vinegar: Brightens the dressing and balances oil.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness to round out the vinaigrette.
- Dijon mustard: Emulsifies the dressing and adds a sharp tang
High Fiber Chicken Salad with Kale & Arugula (Meal Prep Friendly)
This hearty and healthy chicken salad is packed with fiber-rich kale and arugula, crisp veggies, seasoned chicken thighs, and a simple homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep or a fresh, satisfying lunch or dinner
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 2 handful baby arugula
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup cucumber chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs boneless skinless
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- avocado oil for cooking
For the Dressing
- 6 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ cup avocado oil
- 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 tsp honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens Add the chopped kale and arugula to a large bowl. Drizzle with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper. Massage the greens with your hands for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened and wilted.
- Add the Vegetables Toss in the chopped red bell pepper, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Mix gently to combine everything.
- Cook the Chicken Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season both sides with paprika, turmeric, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little avocado oil and cook the chicken thighs until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes per side).Let rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-size pieces.
- Make the Dressing In a small bowl or jar, whisk together white vinegar, avocado oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust to your liking.
- Assemble the Salad Top the massaged greens and veggies with the chopped chicken. Drizzle with dressing, toss lightly, and serve immediately.







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