When the crisp air of autumn rolls in, I find myself craving something fresh yet comforting, like a cozy sweater for the soul. This Easy Chicken and Apple Salad is a blend of sweet crunch and savory bites—like a stroll through an orchard with a surprise picnic basket. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is a burst of flavors, topped with memories of past family gatherings spent under golden leaves.
Steps
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens or spinach, shredded or bite-sized chicken, cubed green apple, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, diced shallot, and blue cheese crumbles.
- In a separate container, prepare the vinaigrette by mixing olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk or shake well to combine.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, crunchy flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) bag of mixed greens or spinach
- 1 cup of chicken, shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 green apple, cubed
- ½ cup of dried cranberries
- ¼ cup of chopped walnuts
- 1 diced shallot
- ½ cup of blue cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
FAQ
- How should I store the Chicken and Apple Salad?
- It’s best to prepare only the amount you plan to eat, as the salad can become soggy once the vinaigrette is added. If you want to save some for later, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
- Is the Chicken and Apple Salad better served warm or cold?
- This salad is best enjoyed cold to ensure that all the ingredients remain fresh and crisp.
- Can I use any type of apple for this salad?
- While green apples are recommended because they aren’t overly sweet, you can use any type of apple you have on hand or prefer.
- How long does it take to prepare the Chicken and Apple Salad?
- The total prep time is around 10 minutes, making it a quick option for a healthy meal.
- Can I prepare this salad in advance?
- Yes, you can meal prep by cooking the chicken in advance. Assemble the salad in the morning, leaving the dressing separate until ready to serve for peak freshness.
Tips
- Opt for Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken from the store, which is already seasoned and cooked. This can simplify the preparation process and still provide great flavor.
- Vinaigrette Preparation: Use a mason jar with a lid to prepare the vinaigrette. This allows you to easily combine all the ingredients and shake them together, ensuring a well-mixed dressing.
- Apple Choice: Green apples are recommended for this salad due to their tartness, which balances well with the other ingredients. However, feel free to substitute with any apple variety you have on hand for a different flavor profile.
- Freshness Tip: To maintain the salad’s crisp texture, avoid mixing the dressing with the salad until just before serving. This prevents the greens from becoming soggy and keeps the salad fresh.
Equipment
- Mason Jar with Lid (for making and storing vinaigrette)
- Salad Spinner (to wash and dry mixed greens/spinach efficiently)
- Whisk (for mixing vinaigrette, if not using a mason jar to shake)
