Imagine a salad that's not just a boring pile of greens, but a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a gourmet culinary paradise! Our Apple Cranberry Chopped Chicken Salad with Peach Vinaigrette is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory – a dish that promises to revolutionize your lunch routine and impress even the pickiest eaters. With just 30 minutes of preparation, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's both nutritious and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup peach preserves
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken and apple into bite-sized pieces, chop the walnuts, and measure out the dried cranberries.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced chicken, diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Next, prepare the peach vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until well combined and smooth.
- Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
- Drizzle the peach vinaigrette over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss the salad gently to ensure that all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Once the salad is well mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
- Divide the salad into four serving bowls or plates. Optionally, garnish with additional walnuts or a few extra cranberries for presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Apple Cranberry Chopped Chicken Salad with Peach Vinaigrette!
Tips
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor
- Dice ingredients uniformly for a professional presentation
- Toast the walnuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor
- Make the vinaigrette ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt as a partial substitute in the dressing
- Choose crisp, fresh mixed greens for the best texture and nutritional value
- Allow the salad to sit for 5 minutes after dressing to let flavors meld together
- Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pecans for variety
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 65mg
