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Harvest Chopped Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.1 from 86 reviews

This Harvest Chopped Chicken Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for any season. It features tender, seasoned grilled chicken combined with fresh curly kale, crisp honeycrisp apples, celery, red onion, pecans, dried cranberries, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a homemade maple Dijon dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with crunchy textures and wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal meal for lunch or a light dinner.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups chopped curly kale, stems removed
  • 2 honeycrisp apples, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Maple Dijon Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the boneless chicken breasts evenly on both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will infuse the chicken with a flavorful base.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and juices run clear. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
  3. Rest and Chop the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and set aside for the salad.
  4. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake until the dressing is fully emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, add the chopped kale, finely chopped honeycrisp apples, celery, thinly sliced red onion, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and the chopped cooked chicken. Toss everything together to mix all the ingredients evenly.
  6. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared maple Dijon dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, wholesome flavors!

Notes

  • Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking prevents the meat from drying out and keeps it juicy.
  • Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internal temperature.
  • Feel free to substitute kale with spinach or mixed greens for variation.
  • For a nut-free version, omit pecans or replace with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
  • The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; keep dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat