Warm Kale Salad with Artichoke Hearts, Kalamata Olives, Leeks & Chicken

Looking for a cozy, nourishing meal that supports your gut, hormones, and heart—all in one bowl? This warm kale salad is one of my go-to recipes when I want something deeply satisfying, nutrient-dense, and full of flavor.

Whether you're easing into a cleaner way of eating, supporting digestion, or simply trying to get more veggies in without another cold salad, this dish checks all the boxes. It's packed with ingredients that are functional—meaning they do more than just fill you up.

They help your body function better.

Keep reading to find out why cooking kale makes it easier to digest, how artichokes support your gut and liver, and why these flavors come together for the ultimate feel-good meal.

Warm Kale Salad with Artichoke Hearts, Kalamata Olives, Leeks & Chicken

Serves: 2–3

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced thin
4 cups kale, de-stemmed and chopped
1 (14 oz) jar artichoke hearts (in water or brine), drained and quartered
⅓ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon capers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra zing

Instructions:

Sauté the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with sea salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the leeks & garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced leeks and cook over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add kale and artichokes: Add chopped kale to the skillet and stir frequently for 2–3 minutes until it starts to wilt. Then add the artichoke hearts and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes until everything is warmed through and the kale is tender.
Toss everything together: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add Kalamata olives, lemon zest, and juice. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or optional capers/red pepper flakes.
Serve warm: Plate and serve immediately.

Why This Warm Kale Salad Is a Healing Powerhouse for Your Gut, Heart & Hormones

This isn't just any salad—this warm, savory dish is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients designed to nourish your body from the inside out. Each component of this kale salad was chosen with intention, especially if you're working on digestive healing, hormone balance, cardiovascular health, or simply trying to feel better in your body.

1. Gently Cooked Kale: Easier on Digestion, Bigger on Benefits

Raw kale can be tough on sensitive digestive systems, especially for those with low stomach acid or gut inflammation. By gently sautéing kale, we soften its tough fibers and reduce compounds that can contribute to bloating (like oxalates and goitrogens), making it easier to absorb its impressive array of nutrients—like vitamin K, folate, calcium, and antioxidants. Cooked kale is also easier on the thyroid and friendlier to the gut.

2. Artichoke Hearts: Gut-Friendly Fiber & Liver Love

Artichokes are one of the highest-fiber vegetables around and contain inulin—a prebiotic that helps feed your good gut bacteria. They also support bile flow and liver detoxification, which is key for hormone clearance and digestive regularity. Including artichokes in your diet can ease bloating, improve regularity, and support overall gut resilience.

3. Leeks & Garlic: Prebiotic Power for Microbiome Health

Leeks and garlic both belong to the allium family and are loaded with sulfur compounds and prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria. These veggies also support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and may help regulate cholesterol and blood pressure levels naturally.

4. Kalamata Olives: Healthy Fats & Antioxidants

Rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, olives are heart-protective and anti-inflammatory. These healthy fats support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K), which are crucial for hormone production, immune strength, and brain health.

5. Chicken: Clean Protein for Muscle, Metabolism & Mood

High-quality protein keeps blood sugar stable, supports lean muscle, and provides amino acids necessary for neurotransmitter and hormone production. Protein with breakfast and lunch is especially important for those managing fatigue, weight loss resistance, or blood sugar imbalances.

6. Lemon & Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil): Simple Detox & Immune Support

The lemon juice in this dish helps stimulate digestive juices and supports liver detox pathways, while healthy cooking oils like avocado or olive oil provide essential fatty acids that reduce inflammation and protect the gut lining.

In Summary: A Functional Foodie’s Dream Bowl

This warm kale salad is more than a cozy meal—it’s a functional medicine tool in a bowl. It gently supports detox pathways, fuels your metabolism, nourishes your gut, and provides balanced macros for long-lasting energy. Whether you're healing your hormones, supporting your microbiome, or simply craving a satisfying, healthy meal, this one checks all the boxes.