why make this recipe
Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing is a wonderful dish to enjoy during the cooler months. It combines tender chicken with crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and dried cranberries, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweet and tangy maple Dijon dressing ties everything together, making this salad not just healthy, but also delicious. It’s an excellent choice for a light lunch or a vibrant dinner side, plus it’s easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients.
how to make Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, kale, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 medium crisp apple (preferably Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Poach, grill, or roast your chicken breasts until fully cooked and tender. Let them cool before dicing or shredding to ensure even texture throughout the salad.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced crisp apples, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries. These fresh, crunchy, and sweet ingredients form the perfect autumn-inspired base.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified. The dressing should be smooth and balanced between sweet and tangy.
- Drizzle the maple Dijon dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add the prepared chicken on top or mix it in, depending on your presentation preference.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest experience, or chill for a short time to let flavors meld.
how to serve Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
Serve this delicious salad in a large bowl or individual plates. It makes an excellent light lunch or a side dish for dinner. You can also add a slice of crusty bread or a roll on the side for a complete meal.
how to store Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This way, the salad won’t get soggy and will stay fresh for 1-2 days.
tips to make Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- You can use any type of nuts you prefer, like almonds or pistachios.
- Make sure to slice the apples just before adding them to the salad to keep them from browning.
- If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a kick!
variation
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. You can add other fruits like pears or berries, change the nuts, or even toss in some cheese, like feta or goat cheese, for a creamy touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?
Yes, using leftover chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just ensure the chicken is well-flavored and cooked properly.
2. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s better to add the dressing just before serving for the best texture.
3. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is gluten-free as long as you ensure the dressing does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
A vibrant salad with tender chicken, crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and dried cranberries, drizzled with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon dressing.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, kale, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 medium crisp apple (preferably Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Poach, grill, or roast your chicken breasts until fully cooked and tender. Let them cool before dicing or shredding.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced crisp apples, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Drizzle the maple Dijon dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat. Add chicken on top or mix in.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more vinegar if needed. Serve immediately or chill for a short time to let flavors meld.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Store salad in an airtight container without dressing for 1-2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg