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Ultra close-up macro of fresh autumn harvest chicken salad with sliced grilled chicken, crisp Honeycrisp apples, candied pecans, cranberries, and goat cheese

Autumn Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon

Crisp Honeycrisp apple slices, juicy grilled herb chicken breast, candied pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese tossed in a sweet-tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette. A high-protein, vibrant autumn lunch ready in 20 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

Herb Grilled Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken breasts boneless skinless
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
Harvest Salad Base
  • 6 cups baby spinach and mixed greens
  • 1 large Honeycrisp apple thinly sliced into half-moons
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans toasted with a pinch of cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • 1/4 cup red onion very thinly shaved
  • 4 oz goat cheese crumbled, or feta
Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 small shallot finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Rub chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a cutting board, rest 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  1. Place chopped pecans in a small dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of cinnamon and transfer to a plate to cool.
  1. In a glass mason jar or small mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together extra virgin olive oil, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, kosher salt, and black pepper until completely emulsified and glossy.
  1. In a large salad bowl, arrange the baby spinach and mixed salad greens. Layer with thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, shaved red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted cinnamon pecans.
  1. Arrange the warm sliced grilled chicken down the center and scatter crumbled goat cheese generously over the top. Drizzle with the maple Dijon vinaigrette just before serving. Toss gently and serve with warm crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 32gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 490mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 2800IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 2.6mg

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