Chicken Apple Pecan Salad
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
232 kcal
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Apple Pecan Salad
Description
The salad combines a blend of baby lettuce greens with protein from grilled chicken breast and textural interest from thinly sliced apples of two varieties, dried cranberries, and pecans. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element. The accompanying pomegranate vinaigrette dressing is a mix of pomegranate juice, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and seasoning, shaken or whisked to emulsify.
The combination results in a salad that balances sweetness, acidity, and savory notes with the freshness of greens and crisp apples, plus crunch from nuts and dried fruit. It’s prepared by assembling the ingredients and drizzling or tossing with the vinaigrette just before serving for optimal freshness.
Serving suggestions include offering the dressing on the side for individual preference and incorporating seasonal greens or alternate fruits to vary the recipe. The salad can be adapted to meatless versions or substitutes such as turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Ingredients
Pomegranate Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Apple Pecan Salad
- 8 cups lettuce baby mix
- 2 chicken breast grilled and sliced
- 1 apple cored and sliced thinly, Gala variety
- 1 apple cored and sliced thinly, Granny Smith
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/3 cup pecans roasted or candied
Instructions
Make the Pomegranate Vinaigrette
- Pour the 1/4 cup pomegranate juice, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and the 1/4 tsp salt and pepper into a jar or small mixing bowl. Shake it in the jar with a tightly-closed lid or whisk in the mixing bowl until everything is well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
- Wash your greens and dry them thoroughly. Set the cleaned lettuce into a large serving bowl.
- Top the lettuce with the grilled chicken breasts, sliced apples, dried cranberries, cheese crumbles, and pecans.
- Drizzle a small amount of the pomegranate dressing over the salad and toss with a serving set. You can add more dressing as desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Keep salad greens separate from vinaigrette until ready to serve to maintain crispness.
- Serve dressing separately so individuals can add to taste.
- Seasonal greens and fruits can be substituted, such as spinach, kale, persimmons, or local produce.
- Add warm bacon crumbles for additional savory crunch if desired.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or substitute turkey during holidays for convenience.
- To make vegetarian, omit the chicken and use bottled dressing for simplicity.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 232 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 232kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Cholesterol | 34mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 186mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 17g | 34% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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