This Roasted Kale and Broccoli Salad is full of flavor and nutrition. From the vitamin-rich broccoli and kale to the protein-packed chicken, this salad is designed to nourish you – mind, body, and soul.

As a busy mom and Registered Dietitian, I am always looking for quick and easy ways to build well-balanced meals. This Roasted Kale and Broccoli Salad fits the bill. I love that you can meal prep this salad at the beginning of the week and then quickly throw it together in a matter of minutes the day of. It’s one of those recipes that came together by accident but the result was so dang delish I had to share it on the blog.

What You Need For This Roasted Kale And Broccoli Salad

Kale: I used Dino kale (also called Lacinato kale) but you can substitute for curly or red kale. If you don’t have any kale, try it with another fibrous leafy green like Swiss chard or collard greens.Both of these greens can be roasted in the same way as kale, with a little bit of olive oil and seasoning. They’ll provide that same satisfying crunch and flavor.

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any fibrous leafy greens, try using different greens and don’t roast them. Spinach, arugula, or mixed greens would all be a delicious base for this salad.

Broccoli: I used 2 broccoli crowns cut into bite-sized florets. I recommend buying pre-cut broccoli to save time in the kitchen. If you don’t have broccoli, you can substitute for cauliflower or brussel sprouts. Roasting times may vary depending on the size of the veggies. You want them to be golden brown

Chicken: I used some prepped oven roasted chicken in this salad. You can also use barbecue chicken thighs, crispy chickpeas, or crispy pan-fried tofu bites.

Croutons: I actually used store bought croutons in this one. We had some in the pantry and I am all about ease when it comes to making dinner these days. If you don’t have croutons, you can make your own – just toss bite-size pieces of bread in olive oil, salt, and pepper and toast. Don’t have croutons or bread? No worries. This salad would be great with any grain – from couscous to farro or wheat berries. Toss in 2 cups of a cooked grain and you have a balanced, plate-method approved meal!

Olives: I love the olive flavor paired with the caesar dressing. I used kalamata olives but you can use your favorite olives. If you’re not a fan of olives (I know they can be strong), simply leave them out or replace them with capers.

High Protein Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing: I used my creamy caesar salad dressing recipe to dress this salad. If you don’t feel like making a dressing, save some time and buy your fave one at the grocery store. You can also substitute it for another creamy dressing like my delicious lemon tahini dressing or get wile and use a vinaigrette instead (this would be pretty tasty with my honey-lime vinaigrette).

Nutritional Benefits

Kale: This leafy green is packed with a wide range of nutrients that are essential for good health. Kale is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium. These nutrients play a vital role in everything from bone health and immune function to skin health and heart health.

Kale is also a great source of antioxidants, which help to protect your body against damage from free radicals, and fiber, which promotes a healthy gut. Whether you’re adding kale to your everyday green smoothie, sautéing it with garlic and olive oil, or using it as a base for your salads, there’s no denying that this leafy green is a nutritional powerhouse.

Broccoli: This cruciferous veggie is packed full of vitamins and minerals like Vitamins C and K, calcium, and potassium. potassium. Like kale, it’s also full of antioxidants and fiber.

Chicken: Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and cells throughout the body. Protein also keeps us feeling full and satisfied after meals. Chicken is also rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.

How To Meal Prep This Salad

Meal prepping salads is one of my favorite time saving kitchen hacks. One of the reasons I love this salad is because you can prep the ingredients at the beginning of the week and use them throughout the week in a variety of meals. I would use a combination of ingredient prep and batch prep. Ingredient prep is when you prep a few core ingredients that you can throw into meals throughout the week. Batch prepping is when you make a larger portion of one dish (think pasta sauces, chilis and soups).

I would prepping a big batch of roasted broccoli and chicken and batch prep a jar of the caesar dressing. You can use the broccoli chicken in a variety of dishes throughout the week. Add them to my famous kale caesar salad or to a buddha bowl for an extra boost of protein and vitamin C. Batch prep the high protein caesar salad dressing and use it as a dip for snacks, salad dressing, or in wraps.