Avocado Kale Salad with Roasted Chicken, Radishes, Sweet Corn, Grapes, and Hazelnuts

Alright, this is a ridiculously long title. But these ingredients went so well together that I didn't have the heart to leave any of them off.

I made this delightful salad to complete a baby shower spread for one of my dearest friends. We also served this quiche; a cheese spread with honey goat gouda, blueberry goat cheese, wine-soaked syrah, white apricot stilton, and sharp cheddar; a mix of hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios toasted with sea salt and rosemary; chocolate covered strawberries; grapes and tangerines; cake; and some delightful drink that involved grapefruit bitters.

Everything But Kale Salad

Unfortunately in the photos I didn't capture the salad, but you can see the rest of the table. The quiche cooks up beautifully even when you use skim milk rather than cream.

Despite its somewhat unorthodox ingredients, this salad was much enjoyed.

Please do note that I made this for more than thirty people and thus can't really provide exact amounts for a smaller salad. In the notes below I've given loose guidance for a salad to serve five.

Ingredients

Kale
Chicken
Radishes
Raw Sweet Corn
Grapes

Hazelnuts (pistachios would also be amazing here; in one bowl I actually used both. If those are too
expensive, use sliced or blanched almonds)

Avocados

Notes
To serve five people, I usually use two big bundles of kale. If you are using  a whole-roasted chicken, use the best meat for this and judge accordingly. If not, I would recommend one big breast for a five person serving. One or two cobs of corn will be fine, again for a medium sized salad, and just buy one bunch of radishes and use to your preference. Be generous with the grapes and hazelnuts. I usually use two avos for a regular sized salad. 

Ingredient Prep and Assembly

Husk your corn and wash all vegetables

De-stem and chop your kale

Thinly slice your radishes

Saw the corn off of the cob

Slice grapes in half

Pit avos and cut in half

Shred chicken

After everything is cleaned and prepped, I begin by massaging my kale with the avocado. This can be a bit laborious, but is absolutely necessary. Massage until your kale is tender and there are very few whole avo pieces remaining. Then, add your radishes, corn, grapes, chicken, and hazelnuts, pistachios, or other nuts of choice. Toss well. 

Dressing Suggestions

For the bridal shower, I made a mustardy dressing that I unfortunately didn't document. The basic ingredients and process went like this: 

Whisk a generous amount of whole-grain mustard with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add lemon juice, brown sugar, and sea salt to taste. You can substitute the lemon juice for apple cider vinegar or the juice of an orange. Start with small amounts and work up in increments until you find a nice balance of acidity, sweetness, and saltiness. 

This would also be great with a homemade buttermilk dressing! When I make a homemade buttermilk, I usually combine 1/2 cup or so buttermilk with several tablespoons greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, and sea salt. You may need a splash of olive oil to get to the right consistency.

Considerations for food ethics and allergies: Using the mustard-based dressing, I made a vegan version of this by omitting the chicken; it was still hearty and delicious. If you are concerned with protein, consider adding chickpeas. Gluten free. Dairy free unless you use the buttermilk dressing.

Ed. 5/19/13 (by Sarah):  Here is a picture of the salad as I made it this weekend!