This **Apple Salad Recipe** is a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that comes together quickly. It features a delightful medley of fresh greens, crisp apples, juicy pears, tender chicken, sweet dried cherries, crunchy candied pecans, and creamy goat cheese, all expertly tossed in a zesty and aromatic apple cider vinaigrette. It’s truly an elevated salad experience!
author’s note
More Than Just a Side: The Definitive Apple Salad!
For quite some time, my pear salad has been a personal favorite, a recipe I’ve adored and shared frequently. It was even a star at my Thanksgiving table last year, earning rave reviews from everyone who tried it. The sweet, tender pears, perfectly candied pecans, and a bright, tangy vinaigrette created an unforgettable symphony of flavors that beautifully complemented all the traditional holiday dishes.
After the holiday season, I found myself inspired to experiment further. I began to introduce crisp, fresh apples to the mix, adding an extra layer of delightful crunch and a hint of tartness. To transform it into a more substantial offering, I incorporated shredded rotisserie chicken, making it robust enough to serve as a complete meal. This seemingly small adjustment proved to be a game-changer. What started as a beloved side dish evolved into a hearty, filling, and incredibly flavorful main course. It was at this point that I realized I had to craft a brand new, dedicated recipe for this spectacular **Apple Salad** to share with all of you.
This isn’t merely an apple salad; it’s *the* apple salad that combines the best of fresh produce, savory protein, and irresistible textures. It’s perfect for a quick, healthy lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive dish for entertaining. The combination of sweet, tart, savory, and crunchy elements makes it a truly irresistible experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Apple Salad
Creating an exceptional Apple Salad starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the balanced flavors and delightful textures that make this recipe a standout. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and some helpful tips for substitutions and preparation.
| Ingredient | Swap or Tip for Best Results |
|---|---|
| Apples & Pears | For the perfect crunch and sweetness, opt for crisp, firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady. Similarly, firm but ripe pears such as Bosc or Anjou work wonderfully. To prevent browning after slicing, lightly drizzle your cut fruit with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. |
| Rotisserie Chicken | The convenience of store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this salad incredibly quick to prepare. However, feel free to swap it with grilled chicken breasts, shredded turkey, or any leftover roasted chicken you might have on hand. This ensures your **Apple Salad Recipe** is always fresh and tailored to your preferences. |
| Dried Cherries | These add a beautiful tart-sweet chewiness that complements the fruit and chicken. If dried cherries aren’t available, dried cranberries (also known as craisins) are an excellent substitute. Golden raisins also offer a different, milder sweetness. |
| Candied Pecans | The candied pecans provide a wonderful caramelized crunch that is simply irresistible. You can find them in the “salad topper” aisle of most grocery stores, or for an extra touch, make your own at home. Candied walnuts or even toasted almonds can also be used for a similar effect. |
| Goat Cheese | Crumbled goat cheese offers a delightful creamy texture and a mild, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory elements. For a bolder tang, consider feta cheese. If you prefer a stronger, more pungent bite, gorgonzola cheese can elevate the flavor profile significantly. |
| Apple Cider Vinaigrette | This homemade dressing is the star that ties all the flavors together. It’s a simple yet potent mix of good quality olive oil, a touch of honey for sweetness, tangy apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard for emulsification and depth, and a blend of seasonings. This vinaigrette makes all the difference in this **chicken apple salad**. |
Quick Tip: Choosing the Best Apples for Salad
When incorporating apples into your salad, always prioritize crisp, crunchy varieties that maintain their texture after slicing. Soft, mealy apples can detract from the overall experience. My personal favorites are Honeycrisp and Pink Lady for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, and their exceptional crunch. Other excellent choices include Fuji, Jazz, and Envy apples, all of which hold up beautifully in a vibrant salad like this.
How To Craft This Delicious Apple Salad Recipe
Making this incredible Apple Salad is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for busy weeknights or as an impressive dish for guests. Follow these simple steps to assemble your vibrant and flavorful meal:
- Prepare Your Base: Begin by placing your fresh spring mix lettuce blend into a large mixing bowl. This will be the foundation of your salad.
- Slice the Fruit: Carefully core and thinly slice one large apple and one large pear. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel the fruit first, but keeping the skin on adds extra fiber and a rustic appeal. To prevent the fruit from browning, you can lightly toss the slices with a tiny amount of lemon juice immediately after cutting.
- Add Protein: Shred your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the greens and sliced fruit. The chicken provides a satisfying heartiness to the salad.
- Incorporate the Extras: Sprinkle in the dried tart cherries, which offer a chewy texture and a burst of concentrated sweetness. Add the coarsely chopped candied pecans for that irresistible crunch and caramelized flavor. Finally, crumble the goat cheese over the top, adding a creamy, tangy element that balances the other flavors.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon-style mustard. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings (more honey for sweetness, more vinegar for tang, etc.) to match your personal preference.
- Toss and Serve: Pour about 80% of the prepared apple cider vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the greens, fruit, chicken, and other components are evenly coated with the dressing. Avoid over-tossing, which can bruise the greens.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the dressed salad to individual serving plates. Drizzle the remaining dressing over each serving for an extra burst of flavor and moisture. Top with additional crumbled cheese and a few more candied pecans for garnish. If desired, a light sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the flavors even further. Serve your fresh, vibrant **Chicken Apple Salad** immediately to enjoy its optimal crispness and flavor.
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Print Recipe
Apple Salad Recipe
By Chelsea Lords
Try this easy Apple Salad Recipe with mixed greens, juicy apple and pear slices, tender rotisserie chicken, sweet dried cherries, crunchy candied pecans, and crumbled cheese. Toss it all together with a quick and zesty homemade apple cider vinaigrette for a fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 large salad servings
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Mason jar with lid (for dressing)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 cups spring mix lettuce blend
- 1 large apple (such as Pink Lady or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 1 large pear (such as Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced
- 2-1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup dried tart cherries (or dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup candied pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta or gorgonzola cheese)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
Instructions
- Prepare Salad Base: Place the salad greens in a large mixing bowl. Core and thinly slice the apple and pear. Add the sliced fruit to the bowl along with the greens. Chop the shredded rotisserie chicken into desired pieces and add to the bowl. Finally, add the dried cherries.
- Make the Dressing: In a mason jar, combine all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to suit your palate.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour approximately 80% of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss the salad until all components are evenly coated. Incorporate the chopped candied pecans. Divide the salad among serving plates, then top each with crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle the remaining dressing over each portion, and sprinkle a little sea salt if desired for enhanced flavor. Serve your delightful **Apple Salad** immediately for the best taste and texture.
Recipe Notes
Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness: Only add dressing, nuts, and cheese to the portion of salad you plan to eat right away. Once dressed, this salad can become soggy if stored for too long. For delicious leftovers or convenient meal prep throughout the week, store the salad greens, chicken, sliced fruit (with lemon juice to prevent browning), cheese, and dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble a fresh portion, adding freshly sliced apples or pears if preferred, and dress just before serving. The apple cider vinaigrette will keep well in the fridge for 5-7 days; give it a good shake before each use.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 4 large salad servings
Calories: 381 kcal
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Protein: 27.1 g
Fat: 18.1 g
Cholesterol: 89.1 mg
Sodium: 227 mg
Fiber: 4.4 g
Sugar: 22.7 g
Please note: Nutrition information is an approximation calculated automatically and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Smart Storage for Meal Prep & Leftovers
Mastering the storage of this **Apple Salad Recipe** is key to enjoying its freshness and crunch, whether for immediate consumption or for meal prepping throughout your week. Here are our top tips:
- Separate Components are Key: Always store your salad greens, shredded chicken, sliced fruit (apples and pears), crumbled cheese, and candied pecans in separate, airtight containers. This prevents the greens from wilting, the fruit from becoming overly soft, and the nuts from losing their crispness.
- Prevent Fruit Browning: To keep your sliced apples and pears looking fresh, toss them lightly with a tablespoon of lemon juice before storing. This simple step significantly slows down the oxidation process.
- Dressing Longevity: The homemade apple cider vinaigrette is quite stable. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Remember to give it a good shake before each use, as the ingredients may separate slightly.
- Avoid Soggy Salads: The most crucial rule for this **chicken apple salad** is to *only dress the portion you intend to eat immediately*. Once tossed with dressing, the delicate greens and fruit can quickly become soggy, especially when stored. For meal prep, assemble your salad just before serving, adding the freshly dressed components.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure every bite of your Apple Salad is as delicious and vibrant as the first!
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Apple Salad
One of the best things about this versatile **Apple Salad Recipe** is how easily it can be adapted to suit different seasons, tastes, and occasions. Get creative with these inspiring variations:
- Autumn Apple Salad Delight: Embrace the flavors of fall by adding cubes of roasted butternut squash. Its sweet, earthy notes pair beautifully with apples and pears. For an extra crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle in some toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Festive Holiday Salad: Transform this into a stunning holiday centerpiece by incorporating vibrant pomegranate arils. Their jewel-like appearance and burst of tart juice add a truly celebratory touch, similar to this pear pomegranate salad. A sprinkle of fresh mint or parsley can also brighten the flavors.
- Summer Berry Bliss: When berries are in season, swap the dried cherries for fresh strawberries or blueberries. Their juicy sweetness will give your salad a refreshing summer twist. A lighter, citrus-based vinaigrette might also complement this variation well.
- Mediterranean Twist: For a different flavor profile, consider adding Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and swapping the goat cheese for feta. A lemon-herb vinaigrette would work wonders here.
- Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, simply omit the pecans. You can still add crunch with toasted sunflower seeds, pepitas, or even crispy roasted chickpeas.
- Vegetarian Version: Easily make this a vegetarian meal by omitting the chicken. You can boost protein with roasted chickpeas, white beans, or a hard-boiled egg.
- Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or sprinkle some candied jalapeños on top for those who enjoy a little heat.
These variations prove that this **healthy apple salad** can truly be enjoyed year-round and customized to fit any culinary adventure!
We hope you love this **Apple Salad Recipe** as much as we do! Your feedback helps us grow and create more delicious content. If you’ve tried this recipe, please consider leaving a comment below and sharing your thoughts. We’d love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you added!
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