Description
Celebrate the bounty of the season with this vibrant and hearty Harvest Chicken Salad. This nutrient-dense dish features juicy grilled chicken, smoky turkey bacon, crisp apples, and crunchy pecans over a bed of fresh mixed greens. The entire salad is tossed in a bright, tangy maple Dijon dressing that perfectly balances savory and sweet notes. It is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a light lunch, offering a sophisticated flavor profile that remains simple and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
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
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
1 crisp apple, sliced
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries
4 cups mixed salad greens
Instructions
Whisk together Dijon, mayonnaise, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, thyme, and cayenne in a bowl.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Grill chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked through, then let rest before slicing.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apple, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries.
Add the sliced chicken and chopped turkey bacon.
Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat before serving.
Notes
You can substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed dressing. For a vegan approach, use tempeh strips instead of turkey bacon and plant-based protein for the chicken. The chicken and dressing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance for quick assembly.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg