Sweet Kale Salad with Balsamic Herb Chicken

Have you ever found yourself enjoying the tastes of our Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit and thought to yourself, “This would be excellent with grilled chicken marinated in a balsamic herb vinaigrette?” Well, we certainly did—we’re probably not alone. And guess what? We were absolutely correct.

The complex and slightly sweet flavors of this balsamic herb marinade combined with the char from the grill result in the perfect protein to sit atop a bed of greens. This particular bed of greens features fresh broccoli, green cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and radicchio, topped with pepitas, cranberries, and a creamy, zesty poppyseed dressing. We’ll admit, it’s never tasted so good to be so right about something.

Ingredients

1 Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Kit
2 chicken breasts

Balsamic Herb Marinade:

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Add to a large ziplock bag. Add chicken breasts and submerge into the marinade. Place in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.
Once the chicken has marinated, sprinkle with salt. Preheat grill to medium heat. Brush grill with oil to prevent sticking.
Place chicken on the grill. Cook for approximately 5 – 6 minutes per side, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
Serve with Sweet Kale Chopped Kit and enjoy!

What Makes a Balsamic Vinaigrette?

Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic condiment and ingredient renowned for its rich, complex flavor profile and its versatility in enhancing dishes. The primary ingredient is balsamic vinegar, which originates from the Modena and Reggio Emilia regions in Italy. True balsamic vinegar is a carefully aged and concentrated grape juice known as “must,” fermented and aged for several years in wooden barrels. The result is a dark, syrupy vinegar with a sweet and tangy taste and a depth of flavor that develops over time—kind of like a fine wine, so to speak.

Now, about the ‘ette’ part. To create balsamic vinaigrette, balsamic vinegar is typically mixed with olive oil, although variations can include additional ingredients like Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, herbs, or spices. This blend creates a harmonious balance between the vinegar’s acidity and the oil’s richness (which you’ll taste with the marinade you just whipped up).

More Culinary Uses for Balsamic Vinaigrette (That Aren’t Marinades)

As you know from this recipe, balsamic vinaigrette is an excellent choice for a marinade. Here are some other great uses to jot down for later:

Salad Dressing: Whip together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and your choice of herbs and seasonings for a zesty and refined homemade salad dressing.
Dipping Sauce: Serve as a dip for crusty bread or roasted vegetables, offering a tasty alternative to plain olive oil.
Glaze: Reduce balsamic vinaigrette over low heat to create a thick, sweet glaze for drizzling over dishes like grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
Sandwich Condiment: Add depth and zing to sandwiches by spreading a thin layer of balsamic vinaigrette on the bread before layering with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Fruit Enhancement: Surprise your taste buds by lightly dressing fresh strawberries or peaches with balsamic vinaigrette for a unique and refreshing fruit salad.
Grain Bowl Topping: Use it as a finishing touch for grain bowls, adding a burst of flavor to quinoa, rice, or couscous dishes.