Okay, folks. Who here is a huge fan of the Hillstone Restaurants Kale Salad with Peanut Dressing? Um, I am seriously obsessed. It’s the best salad of all time. Naturally, I had to recreate my own Kale and Mint Salad with ‘Peanut’ Vinaigrette in my own kitchen and make it even healthier than the original version.
I use almond butter instead of peanut butter and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and, of course, no added sugar. I also just went to Whole Foods and bought one of their clean, “naked” rotisserie chicken to make this salad easy as ever to throw together.
This ‘peanut’ (or almond) vinaigrette is a game-changer. Once you make this Kale and Mint Salad with ‘Peanut’ Vinaigrette, you’ll understand that it’s pretty easy to sip on as a cocktail it’s so dang good!
Check out my Satisfying Salads Round-Up for more salad inspiration.
Want to save even more time on this recipe? Skip this dressing and use my SideDish Creamy Sesame Dressing instead!
Kale and Mint Salad with 'Peanut' Vinaigrette

Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 bunch green kale
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped mint
- 1/2 cup chopped cashews
- 1 rotisserie chicken skin removed and meat pulled apart into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds
For the Almond-Vinaigrette:
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp. *creamy* almond or cashew butter
- 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp. lime juice
- 1 tsp. chili oil optional, or sub 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp. coconut aminos
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, combine all of the Almond-Vinaigrette ingredients and blend to combine. Set aside.
- Remove kale leaves from the stem, then, finely slice the kale into thin strips.
- Place sliced kale in a bowl with the rotisserie chicken meat, mint, cashews, and toasted sesame seeds. Pour 'peanut' vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve and enjoy!
21 Comments
C
January 4, 2023 at 2:08 amThis is truly the best salad. I make it all the time, and it honestly might be my favorite dinner right now. Thanks for all the awesome recipes! 10/10
Rachel
April 14, 2022 at 8:19 pmIs this salad still yummy without the chicken? Thinking of using this as a side and the main dish already has meat in it.
Alex
April 18, 2022 at 3:47 pmDefinitely!
Carol Brand
September 13, 2021 at 12:35 amThis was first served to me by a friend… casual mid-week, last minute invite. She has your cookbook. I have since made this many times over, not only for my own dinner (eating it now), but I served it at dinner parties and BBQs all summer long. Everytime I make it, someone asks for the recipe.
Thank you!
Lisa
July 29, 2021 at 6:28 pmShould the cashews be raw or the roasted ones?
Alex
July 30, 2021 at 7:59 pmEither work, I do prefer roasted!
Cammy
March 16, 2021 at 5:25 pmCan you substitute liquid aminos for the coconut aminos? It’s just what I have on hand 🙂
Alex
March 17, 2021 at 12:57 pmI am not a huge fan of subbing in liquid aminos for coconut aminos– as I find they have a very different flavor.
Katherine
January 14, 2021 at 6:40 pmThis recipe is SO good. My favorite activity is eating lunch out and this salad had me eating at home 2 days in a row!
Kelly U
October 10, 2017 at 5:41 pmSO GOOD. Love this dressing.
Alex
October 10, 2017 at 9:35 pmThank you, Kelly!!! It’s my current obsession.
Angelica
September 21, 2017 at 6:54 amYum!! I cannot wait to make this!!! ?
Alex
September 21, 2017 at 8:59 pmEnjoy!
Katie M
September 20, 2017 at 4:04 pmI order this salad at Charleston’s every time! I always think I’m going to try something different, nope, it’s that good!!! Looking forward to making this whole 30 version! Thanks!
Alex
September 20, 2017 at 7:57 pmIt’s just the best!!!!
Lauren
September 19, 2017 at 11:47 pmDo you think this would work well as a pasta sauce?
Alex
September 20, 2017 at 7:57 pmIf you did it over soba noodles, YES! for sure!
Katie | FashionFrugality.com
September 18, 2017 at 9:29 pmThis dressing sounds AMAZING! Cannot wait to make this this week! I had a peanut dressing years ago at a restaurant and adored it but have never been able to find anything like it. This sounds spot on and can only be that much more delicious with the almond butter. Thank you!
Alex
September 19, 2017 at 12:09 pmIt’s SO yummy you’re going to just love it!!! 🙂
Amber
September 18, 2017 at 6:40 pmSince the original dressing is a peanut vinaigrette, what about subbing the almond butter for sunflower butter? I don’t love almond butter.
Alex
September 18, 2017 at 9:03 pmYes, Sunflower butter will work, also! If you aren’t an almond butter fan, I might suggest trying Crazy Richards almond butter for cooking if you haven’t yet. It’s my favorite. But either way, sunflower butter is a great sub.