Name: Harvest Chicken Salad with Homemade Balsamic Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 6 cups mixed baby greens (spinach, arugula, kale blend); 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup pecans, toasted; 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Description

A vibrant fall salad combining grilled chicken, crisp greens, apples, nuts, and a tangy homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for Paleo meal prep, Whole30, and healthy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups mixed baby greens (spinach, arugula, kale blend)

2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup pecans, toasted

1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1 teaspoon pure maple syrup

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.

2. Grill chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side or bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F; let rest then slice.

3. Rinse and dry mixed greens and chopped romaine, then place in a large salad bowl.

4. Toast pecans in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, then cool.

5. Thinly slice the apple and set aside.

6. In a jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper; shake until emulsified.

7. Layer greens in bowls, top with sliced chicken, apple, cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese.

8. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to combine before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: salad
Method: grilling
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 350
Fat: 30
Saturated Fat: 6
Unsaturated Fat: 22
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 5
Protein: 30
Cholesterol: 70

Keywords: harvest chicken salad, balsamic dressing, paleo meal prep, whole30, healthy family dinners, fall salad, easy meal prep, chicken salad