Chicken & Apple Salad
A quick, crunchy, and protein-packed salad with tender chicken, crisp apples, walnuts, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s a healthy, fiber-rich dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 small mixing container or mason jar (for dressing)
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
Salad:
- 10 oz mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded or chopped
- 1 medium green apple diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
- 1 small shallot finely diced
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens Base: Begin by taking your mixed greens or baby spinach and gently rinsing them under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water or use a salad spinner to dry them thoroughly. Place the greens in a large mixing bowl, creating a fresh and crisp foundation for your salad.
- Add the Chicken Protein: Next, take your cooked chicken—rotisserie, poached, or baked—and either shred it with two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Evenly distribute the chicken over the bed of greens, ensuring each bite of salad will have a good balance of protein. This step adds a hearty and satisfying element to the salad.
- Incorporate the Apples: Take your green apple and carefully remove the core. Dice the apple into small, uniform cubes so that every forkful has a sweet, crunchy surprise. Gently fold the apple cubes into the salad bowl, taking care not to bruise or mash them. The apple adds natural sweetness and a refreshing crisp texture.
- Add Sweet and Nutty Accents: Sprinkle in the dried cranberries, which provide a chewy sweetness that complements the savory chicken. Then, add the chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture and healthy fats. Finally, finely dice the shallot and scatter it evenly across the salad. These layers of flavor build complexity and a satisfying mix of textures.
- Incorporate Blue Cheese Crumbles: Measure out your blue cheese crumbles and sprinkle them evenly over the salad. The creamy, tangy flavor of the cheese balances the sweetness of the apples and cranberries, creating a harmonious taste in every bite.
- Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small mixing container or mason jar, combine ¼ cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette, one minced garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the ingredients are fully emulsified. This homemade dressing is quick, easy, and flavorful.
- Dress the Salad: Slowly drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring even coverage. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients with the dressing without bruising the delicate greens or apples. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates or bowls. The Chicken and Apple Salad is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crispness of the greens and apples. Pair it with a light soup, whole-grain bread, or enjoy as a standalone meal.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to keep a crisp texture.
- Lightly toast walnuts to enhance their nutty aroma and crunch.
- Make the vinaigrette in a mason jar for quick, easy mixing.
- Add honey or maple syrup to the dressing for a slightly sweeter flavor if desired.
- Gently fold ingredients to avoid bruising the greens or apples.
- Perfect for meal prep; keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
