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Crispy Autumn Chopped Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Crispy Autumn Chopped Salad - featured image
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A hearty, 5-ingredient fall dinner salad featuring massaged kale, crisp apples, toasted nuts, and roasted chicken, all tied together with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and finely chopped
  • 1 cup arugula, roughly chopped
  • 1–2 crunchy apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped apricots
  • 1.5 cups roasted chicken breast, diced
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Remove and let cool.
  2. Remove stems from kale, slice into thin ribbons, and place in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, then massage with hands for 2 minutes until tender.
  3. Dice apples into 1/2-inch cubes, toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Dice chicken and cheese into similar-sized chunks. Chop arugula.
  4. In a jar, combine apple cider vinegar, olive oil, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously until emulsified.
  5. Add apples, chicken, cheese, arugula, and cranberries to the kale. Pour 3/4 of the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly.
  6. Add toasted nuts last to maintain crunch. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.

Notes

Massage the kale to break down fibers and reduce bitterness. Toast nuts for better flavor. Keep dressing separate if meal prepping to maintain crunch. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall salad, apple cider vinaigrette, chopped salad, healthy dinner, kale salad, autumn recipes, quick meals

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/crispy-autumn-chopped-salad-with-apple-cider-vinaigrette-5-ingredient-fall-dinner/