Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing is a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that blends tender chicken, fresh greens, crisp fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese, all brought together by a tangy and sweet maple Dijon dressing. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, this easy-to-make salad offers a balanced mix of flavors and textures, adaptable to any season and dietary preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (about 2 cups)
- Mixed greens (such as spinach or arugula) – 4 cups
- Thinly sliced apples or pears – 1 medium fruit
- Toasted walnuts or pecans – ½ cup
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta – ½ cup
Dressing Ingredients
- Maple syrup – 2 tablespoons
- Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons
- Extra virgin olive oil – ¼ cup
- Salt – ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper – ¼ teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breast by grilling, baking, or poaching until juicy and fully cooked. Let it cool slightly before chopping or shredding into bite-sized pieces to form the protein base of the salad.
- Assemble the Fresh Ingredients: Wash and dry mixed greens thoroughly to keep them crisp. Thinly slice apples or pears and lightly toast the walnuts or pecans to enhance their flavor and crunch. Crumble goat cheese or feta cheese to add creamy tanginess to the salad.
- Make the Maple Dijon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified, able to coat the back of a spoon.
- Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, prepared chicken, sliced fruit, toasted nuts, and crumbled cheese. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the ingredients and toss gently to thoroughly coat the salad components without bruising the greens.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to help the dressing absorb better and enhance flavor melding.
- Ensure greens are completely dry after washing to prevent a soggy salad.
- Lightly toast nuts to unlock deeper flavor and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Adjust the dressing’s sweetness and acidity gradually to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and avoid wilting the greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Harvest Chicken Salad, Maple Dijon Dressing, Healthy Salad, Seasonal Salad, Chicken Salad, Gluten Free Salad, Easy Salad Recipe