Description
Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing is a fresh and vibrant salad featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp apples, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and mixed greens, all tossed in a luscious maple syrup and Dijon mustard dressing. This salad perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it an ideal healthy lunch or light dinner that celebrates the best of autumnal ingredients.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (about 2 cups)
- Mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix) – 4 cups
- Apple, thinly sliced (1 large or 2 small apples; preferably Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- Walnuts or pecans, toasted – 1/2 cup
- Dried cranberries – 1/4 cup
- Red onion, thinly sliced – 1/4 cup
Dressing Ingredients
- Pure maple syrup – 2 tablespoons
- Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken breast according to your preference — poach, grill, or roast. After cooking, allow it to cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces suitable for the salad.
- Prep the Fresh Ingredients: Thoroughly wash and dry the mixed greens to ensure the salad stays crisp. Thinly slice the apples and red onion. Toast the walnuts or pecans gently in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant to intensify their flavor and crunch.
- Make the Maple Dijon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooked chicken, sliced apples, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the maple Dijon flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to individual plates or a serving bowl. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme, extra toasted nuts, or whole dried cranberries. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and balanced flavors at their peak.
Notes
- Use fresh apples and greens for a crisp and bright salad experience.
- Toast nuts lightly to enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch.
- Taste and balance your dressing to achieve the perfect sweet and tangy harmony.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy salad and maintain crispness.
- Cook chicken and prepare dressing ahead of time for easy assembly during busy days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Poaching, Grilling, or Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg