Fall Harvest Chicken Salad
Celebrate the crisp flavors of autumn with this hearty and wholesome chicken salad. Featuring tender grilled chicken, fresh apple slices, crunchy pecans, and smoky turkey bacon, this dish is tied together with a vibrant maple Dijon dressing. It is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, offering a restaurant-quality meal that is easy to prepare for busy weeknights or special gatherings. This recipe is packed with fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying staple for your seasonal menu.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 cups mixed salad greens
2 crisp apples, thinly sliced
1/2 cup toasted pecans
1/3 cup dried cranberries
4 strips smoky turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
Whisk together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, oil, thyme, and cayenne in a bowl.
Reserve half of the dressing for the salad and use the other half as a marinade for the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked through and slightly charred.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with a portion of the reserved dressing.
Arrange the apple slices, pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled turkey bacon over the greens.
Top with the sliced grilled chicken and drizzle with the remaining dressing before serving.
Notes
You can use Greek yogurt as a lighter substitute for mayonnaise. This salad is excellent for meal prep; keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to keep the greens crisp. Ensure turkey bacon is fully cooked and crispy for the best texture contrast.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/fall-harvest-chicken-salad-recipe/