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Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad

Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad

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If you’re searching for a vibrant and satisfying dish that captures the essence of fall, look no further than this Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad. Bursting with fresh ingredients like juicy chicken, sweet pears, and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing option for family gatherings. Not only is it quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but it’s also versatile enough to serve as a light lunch, side dish, or meal prep for the week. This delightful salad brings together seasonal flavors while being healthy and filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breasts (trimmed and halved lengthwise)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt (or to taste)
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 head romaine lettuce (8 cups chopped) rinsed and dried
  • 2 pears (cored and sliced)
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup pecans (lightly toasted on a dry skillet)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese (4 oz) crumbled (optional)
  • 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove (pressed or finely minced)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (regular olive oil also works)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken by seasoning it with garlic salt and pepper, then sautéing in olive oil over medium heat until fully cooked (3-4 minutes per side). Let rest before slicing.
  2. Toast pecans in a dry skillet for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
  3. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, sliced pears, cranberries, toasted pecans, and sliced chicken.
  4. Prepare the dressing by shaking together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a jar.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

Nutrition