Buffalo Chicken Kale Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing

This Buffalo Chicken Kale Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines tender buffalo chicken, fresh kale, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing. The spicy kick of buffalo sauce perfectly complements the cooling, smooth avocado dressing, making it a well-balanced meal packed with protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients:
– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 4 cups kale, chopped
– 1 avocado, ripe
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– Olive oil, for cooking

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
– In a skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
– Transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish and coat with buffalo sauce.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
– Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing into thin strips.

2. Prepare the Kale:
– While the chicken is baking, place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
– Massage the kale with your hands for a few minutes until it becomes tender and slightly wilted.

3. Make the Avocado Ranch Dressing:
– In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
– Blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

4. Assemble the Salad:
– Add the cherry tomatoes and red onion to the bowl of kale.
– Top with the sliced buffalo chicken.
– Drizzle the avocado ranch dressing over the top and toss the salad until everything is well combined.

5. Serve:
– Divide the salad into bowls or plates.
– Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.

Tips:
– Feel free to add other veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or carrots for extra crunch and flavor.
– For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with buffalo cauliflower or tofu.

This Buffalo Chicken Kale Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. The bold flavors and satisfying ingredients make it a go-to meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.