High Protein Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken

(5.0)
By Adam Fisher
Updated 6/2/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Erin McNamara, RDN, LDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
High Protein Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This zesty and colorful Kale and Sweet Potato Salad is the perfect quick and filling meal, especially if you are looking for satisfying GLP-1 diet options. Packed with fiber-rich foods like kale, farro, and sweet potatoes, it supports digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer.

High-protein shredded chicken and crunchy sunflower seeds provide lasting energy, making it one of the best high-protein dinners or lunches for your meal prep rotation. This recipe, along with all of our other delicious GLP-1 recipes and high protein chicken recipes, are a great way to eat well and stay on track with your wellness goals.

Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
8
Calories
164

What Makes This Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken Healthy

This flavorful salad combines lean protein from chicken with complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber from sweet potatoes and farro. The synergy of these macronutrients helps promote early satiety and sustained energy, making it an excellent addition to a balanced lifestyle or GLP-1 weight management plan.

Key Health Highlights

  • High in Protein: Lean chicken breast provides essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and lasting energy.
  • Rich in Dietary Fiber: Kale, sweet potatoes, and farro contribute to a healthy digestive system and help keep you feeling full.
  • Nutrient-Dense Greens: Kale and mixed greens are packed with essential vitamins like vitamins A, C, and K.
  • Healthy Fats: Olive oil in the dressing and sunflower seeds offer unsaturated fats to support heart health.

FAQs About Kale and Sweet Potato Salad

Yes, sweet potatoes are an excellent choice because they are rich in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods between meals.

Absolutely! This is a fantastic meal prep recipe. Just keep the dressing and the delicate greens stored separately from the chicken, farro, and sweet potato mixture until you're ready to eat so everything stays crisp.

No, farro is a type of wheat and does contain gluten. If you need a gluten-free alternative for this salad, simply substitute the farro with cooked quinoa or brown rice.

You can easily increase the protein by adding more shredded chicken, topping the salad with a hard-boiled egg, or mixing in some roasted chickpeas or edamame.

High Protein Chicken Salad Recipes

For more filling and nutritious meal prep ideas, explore our favorite healthy chicken salad recipes that are packed with high-quality protein to keep you energized and satisfied all day long.

More Sweet Potato Sides

Round out your next lunch or dinner with more fiber-rich, healthy side dish recipes that highlight the comforting flavor and nutritional power of sweet potatoes.

Ingredient Spotlights

  • Kale is a powerhouse leafy green that adds volume, crunch, and a wealth of antioxidants to your salad without excess calories. Massaging the chopped kale slightly with the dressing before serving can help soften its hearty texture and make it even easier to digest.
  • Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural, caramelized sweetness, contrasting perfectly with the savory chicken and zesty Dijon dressing. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, potassium, and complex carbohydrates.
  • Farro is an ancient whole grain with a highly satisfying, chewy texture and a delicious nutty flavor. It adds incredible heartiness to the salad and serves as a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber.

Healthy Variations

  • Kale Sweet Potato Avocado Salad: Add freshly diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
  • High Protein Bean Salad: Mix in half a cup of rinsed black beans or cannellini beans to further boost the plant-based protein and fiber content.
  • Fruity Crunch: Swap the diced apple for dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a tart, seasonal twist.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 8 servings

Dressing

Salad

Directions

Dressing

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.

Salad

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place sweet potatoes on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Season with black pepper and salt. Roast until fork tender, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

  2. Step 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine farro and water. Bring water to boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until farro is tender. Drain farro into fine mesh sieve, transfer to a bowl, and fluff with a fork. Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    In a large bowl, combine sweet potato, farro, shredded chicken, radishes, feta, apple, lemon juice, and black pepper to taste. In a separate large bowl, combine kale and mixed greens. Top with sweet potato mixture. Sprinkle with parsley, thyme, and sunflower seeds. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

  4. Step 4

    To store any leftovers, place the salad and dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent the salad from wilting. Enjoy within 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
2 oz chicken, 1/2 cup salad

164
Calories
5
g
Fat
42
mg
Cholesterol
99
mg
Sodium
15
g
Carbs
1
g
Sat. Fat
3
g
Fiber
15
g
Protein
3
g
Sugars

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes: Instead of roasting them in the oven, you can air fry the cubed sweet potatoes at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until fork-tender.
  • Grilled Chicken: If you don't have pre-roasted or rotisserie chicken on hand, try grilling chicken breasts with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder before shredding them for the salad.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Store the salad and dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent the delicate greens from wilting.
  • Enjoy leftovers within 3 days for the best taste, texture, and freshness.
  • For easy meal prep, portion the roasted sweet potato, chicken, and farro mixture into individual containers, keeping the greens and dressing separate until you are ready to eat.

What to Serve With This High Protein Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken

This hearty salad is a complete, well-rounded meal on its own! However, if you are looking to round out a larger dinner spread, it pairs wonderfully with a slice of whole-grain crusty bread or a light, low-sodium vegetable soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the farro for quinoa, brown rice, or bulgur if you prefer, or if you need a gluten-free option.

Try roasted turkey breast, or use chickpeas or black beans for a plant-based alternative.

Fresh spinach or peppery arugula can easily replace the mixed greens or kale.

Crumbled goat cheese makes a wonderful, creamy substitute for the reduced-fat feta.

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