Chopped Harvest Chicken Salad

This fresh and flavorful Harvest Chopped Chicken Salad is made with leafy kale, tender juicy chicken, chopped apples and crunchy pecans all tossed with a maple dijon dressing! This salad is hearty enough for dinner and light enough for lunch!

A cook keep this time of year and there is nothing better than a satisfying fall salad. This Harvest Chopped Chicken Salad recipe is loaded with leafy kale, tender seasoned chicken, sweet apple, fresh veggies, crunchy pecans and crumbled feta cheese all tossed with a flavorful dressing. Not only is this harvest salad the reliable lighter lunch, but it makes a hearty, filling dinner yo

The great thing about this salad is that all the elements can be easily made ahead of time at the beginning of the week and stored separately in containers until assembling.

What goes in

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups chopped curly kale, stems removed
• 2 honeycrisp apples, finely chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon each salt + pepper

How it comes together

1. Season chicken on both sides with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
2. Heat a grill pan or large skillet with olive oil over a lively burner and cook chicken, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 F using a digital thermometer and juices should run clear.
3. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and hold nearby.
4. To make the dressing, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl or mason. Shake vigorously or whisk until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings, as needed.
5. Use a wide bowl, combine all the ingredients for the salad including the cooked chicken and toss to combine. Drizzle the salad with dressing and mix until fully coated. Serve and enjoy!