When I think of the perfect winter meal, this Sweet Kale Salad with pears and pecans always comes to mind. Who says winter meals have to be all about hot soups and stews? There’s plenty of room for winter salads on the menu too! This one’s got everything you want on a cold day: hearty greens, sweet and juicy fruit, and a toasty crunch. The warming spices of cinnamon, toasted pecans, and a sweet maple dressing make this salad feel like a cozy, warming meal—perfect for brightening up chilly days. It’s not just another salad you eat out of obligation—it’s genuinely delicious, with layers of flavour and texture that make it the star of the table. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients to keep you feeling good all season long.

Sweet Kale Salad Recipe

Gluten-free & Dairy-Free

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1cm cubes roughly 4 cups
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 head kale, stem removed and shredded
• 1 pear, diced
• 1 cup raw unsalted pecans

Sweet Maple Dressing:

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Sweet Maple Dressing by whisking all of the ingredients together.
3. Place the chicken in a bowl and cover with half of the marinade. Place in the fridge to marinate for 20 minutes (until the sweet potato has been in the oven for 10 minutes) or overnight.
4. Peel and cut sweet potatoes. Toss sweet potatoes in 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, cinnamon, and coconut oil in a large bowl.
5. Spread sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
6. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, discard the remaining marinade and bake for 17-20 minutes until cooked through and 165F. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Massage the remaining dressing into the kale. Top with chicken, roasted sweet potato, pear and pecans.

How I serve this to my kids

I put everything on the plate separately – roasted sweet potato, sliced chicken, diced pear, raw pecans, and one little piece of kale with dressing.

Kale: The Nutrient Powerhouse

Kale isn’t called a superfood for nothing! This leafy green is bursting with vitamins A, C, and K, which support everything from your immune system to your bone health. Its fibre content aids digestion and helps you feel full longer, while its antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by inflammation. Expert tip: gently massage the kale (yep you heard that right) with your hands to help break down that tough and fibrous exterior!

Pears: Sweetness with a Nutritional Punch

Pears are a refreshing addition to winter dishes. They’re soft, easy to chew and offer a natural sweetness. Pears are high in soluble fibre, which supports gut health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Rich in vitamin C, pears also boost your immune system and support glowing skin. Their juicy, tender texture pairs beautifully with the heartiness of kale, adding some contrast to every bite.

Pecans: Crunchy and Delicious

Pecans are more than a tasty topping; they’re packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, along with antioxidants that combat inflammation. They’re also a good source of manganese, a mineral essential for bone health and metabolism. I love toasting the pecans in this recipe to enhance their smooth, nutty and almost buttery flavour.

Elevate Your Corporate Wellness Initiatives with Virtual Cooking Classes

This recipe is just a taste of what you can experience in my corporate wellness cooking classes. Designed to foster teamwork and inspire healthy habits, my Virtual Cooking Classes are a fantastic way to connect with colleagues while learning new skills. If you’re looking for more recipes like this Sweet Kale Salad, you’ll my winter Virtual Cooking Classes:

• Healthy Lunch and Dessert: Make a balanced and energizing meal with Crunchy-Pecan Crusted Chicken, Lemon Sautéed Baby Spinach, and Pecan Chocolate Bark for a sweet finish.
• Pesto Salmon & Potato Salad: Learn to prepare herbaceous pesto-topped salmon alongside a Warm Asparagus Salad with soft potatoes, crisp asparagus, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Join me to bring health, creativity, and connection to your workplace. For more information or to book your session, visit my Corporate Wellness page or email me at info@jesselanewellness.com.

Winter Salad Roundup

Warm Brussels Sprout Salad