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Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
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Harvest Chicken Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing is a fresh, vibrant, and wholesome salad combining tender cooked chicken, crisp mixed greens, tart apple slices, chewy dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy-sweet maple Dijon dressing. This flavorful and balanced dish is perfect for a healthy lunch, dinner, or snack.

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • Cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (about 2 cups)
  • Mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula) – 4 cups
  • Apple slices (thinly sliced) – 1 medium apple
  • Dried cranberries – 1/4 cup
  • Chopped toasted walnuts – 1/3 cup
  • Crumbled goat cheese – 1/4 cup

For the Maple Dijon Dressing

  • Maple syrup – 3 tablespoons
  • Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon
  • Apple cider vinegar – 2 tablespoons
  • Olive oil – 1/4 cup
  • Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
  • Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken breast thoroughly—grilling, baking, or poaching works well—and then chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
  2. Assemble the Greens and Add-Ins: In a large bowl, toss together your mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts for that beautiful mix of crunch and sweetness.
  3. Whisk the Maple Dijon Dressing: In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth and creamy; the dressing should balance tangy, sweet, and savory notes perfectly.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and chicken mixture, then gently toss everything together until evenly coated and glistening with flavor.
  5. Add the Finishing Touch: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the top to add a rich and tangy complement that rounds out the salad beautifully.

Notes

  • Use Warm Chicken: Adding slightly warm chicken helps the dressing cling better to ingredients and enhances flavor absorption.
  • Toast the Nuts: Lightly toasting walnuts before adding them boosts their flavor and adds crunch.
  • Slice Apples Thinly: Thin apple slices blend texture seamlessly and prevent the salad from feeling too chunky.
  • Balance the Dressing: Adjust the ratio of maple syrup and vinegar carefully for sweetness and acidity to suit your taste perfectly.
  • Chill Before Serving: Let the salad rest in the fridge for 10 minutes to let flavors meld without sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Harvest chicken salad, maple Dijon dressing, healthy chicken salad, autumn salad, fresh chicken salad

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/harvest-chicken-salad-with-maple-dijon-dressing/