If you love salads that burst with flavors and textures, the Roasted Apple Chicken Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to lunch or light dinner. This delightful dish brings together tender roasted apples, perfectly cooked chicken, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries, all tossed with fresh greens and a honey-Dijon dressing. It’s satisfying, colorful, and just the right balance of sweet and savory, making it feel like a special treat even on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this salad sing. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, from the juicy sweetness of roasted apples to the peppery bite of onions and the creamy tang of cheese.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: For lean protein that soaks up seasoning beautifully and browns perfectly in a skillet.
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji): Firm and sweet apples that roast up caramelized and tender.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for roasting apples to give a golden finish and add healthy fats.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the natural sweetness of the apples.
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine): A fresh, crisp base providing vibrant color and texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted: Brings crunch and a buttery richness that elevates the salad.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Tart bursts of sweetness that brighten every bite.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, balancing sweet and savory elements.
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, fresh flavor that cuts through richness.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing): A smooth base for the zesty dressing.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Provides acidity that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle kick and depth.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
How to Make Roasted Apple Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out the apple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle them evenly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle the cinnamon on top. Roast the apples for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they become golden and caramelized. This step transforms the apples from crisp and tart to tender and sweet, creating a wonderful contrast with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the apples are roasting, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook it for 6 to 7 minutes per side, ensuring it’s fully cooked through and has a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Resting keeps the meat juicy and tender, which is crucial for the salad’s overall texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and seasoning with salt and pepper. The dressing should have a smooth, glossy finish. This tangy and sweet dressing perfectly complements the roasted apples and savory chicken, pulling all the flavors into a deliciously balanced salad.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted apple slices, sliced chicken, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta or goat cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp freshness of the greens alongside the warm roasted apples and chicken.
How to Serve Roasted Apple Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add an herbaceous lift to the salad just before serving. If you want a little extra crunch, consider adding a few more toasted pecans on top. These small garnishes really enhance the dish’s visual appeal and add final flavor notes.
Side Dishes
This salad shines on its own, but pairing it with a warm baguette or crusty artisan bread makes for a heartier meal. Roasted sweet potatoes or a light vegetable soup on the side also complement the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance of the salad ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad on large white plates to highlight the vibrant colors. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass bowl or mason jar creates eye-catching layers of greens, apples, chicken, and toppings—perfect for entertaining or meal prepping with style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Roasted Apple Chicken Salad Recipe, keep the salad components separate to maintain freshness. Store the greens in one container, the chicken and apples in another, and the dressing in a small jar. This way, you can toss everything together fresh at serving time without soggy greens.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The greens and dressing don’t freeze well, and the texture of roasted apples will change after thawing. Instead, consider freezing extra cooked chicken separately if you want to save time for next use.
Reheating
If you want to reheat the roasted apples or chicken only, do so gently in a skillet or microwave just until warm. Avoid heating the whole salad together to preserve the crispness and flavors of the fresh ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are great for roasting because of their sweetness and firmness, you can also use Gala or Pink Lady apples for a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure the apples hold their shape when cooked.
What cheese works best for this salad?
Feta and goat cheese are both excellent choices due to their creamy texture and tanginess. If you prefer milder flavors, a sharp white cheddar or even blue cheese crumbles offer an interesting twist.
Is it okay to prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead. It keeps well refrigerated, and the flavors tend to deepen over time. Just give it a good whisk before using it on the salad.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and add extra toasted pecans or your favorite roasted nuts for protein. Roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu would also make tasty substitutes.
How long does the roasted apple chicken salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly with components separated, the salad ingredients stay fresh for up to 2 days. Make sure to add the dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Roasted Apple Chicken Salad Recipe is a beautiful way to brighten up your meal routine with wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. It’s a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a solo treat. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite salad!
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Roasted Apple Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and healthy Roasted Apple Chicken Salad combining tender pan-seared chicken breasts, caramelized cinnamon-spiced apple slices, mixed greens, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and tangy crumbled feta cheese. Tossed with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette, this salad delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Apples
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for apples)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Apples: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the apple slices on a baking sheet, drizzle them evenly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle the cinnamon over the apples. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are golden and caramelized.
- Cook the Chicken: While the apples are roasting, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Then slice the chicken into thin strips for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted apple slices, sliced chicken, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- This salad can be served warm or at room temperature.
- If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to avoid sogginess.
