Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful salad:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 2 large Fuji apples, thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale, or your favorite mix)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If you’re starting with raw chicken:
- Season 2 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder for added flavor.
- Heat a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken on medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before shredding or cubing it into bite-sized pieces.
Pro Tip: Want an extra smoky flavor? Use grilled chicken or a rotisserie chicken for convenience!
2. Slice the Apples
- Wash and core 2 Fuji apples. Thinly slice them for that perfect crunch.
- To prevent browning, toss the slices with a splash of lemon juice.
Pro Tip: For added variety, mix Fuji apples with another sweet apple like Honeycrisp.
3. Toast the Almonds
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/4 cup of sliced almonds until golden brown, stirring frequently (about 2-3 minutes).
- Set aside to cool.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye—they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds!
4. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Whisk or shake until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Pro Tip: Love a creamier dressing? Add a dollop of Greek yogurt to the mix.
5. Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, layer the greens, chicken, apple slices, cranberries, almonds, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine.
Pro Tip: For a beautiful presentation, layer the ingredients and serve the dressing on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4