Friday, August 29

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Even though here, in my part of the country, it's still very much Texas-Hot, we are nevertheless planning for Fall. Looking forward to when the weather turns it down a notch and brings us a handful of really crisp days. I am so ready. To start
it off right I'm sharing with you my favorite fall salad. It's chock full of an array of autumn goodness. Apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans and pomegranate vinaigrette make me want to pull out my warm blankets and brew spice tea. I make this salad all of the time and the vinaigrette is amazing.

All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, even the pomegranate molasses. I've mentioned before that I like to make my own salad dressings. I add more vinegar than the average person and a bit less oil. With that being said, I did find a Pomegranate Vinaigrette on the salad dressing aisle at Whole Foods. It was the Marzetti brand and I know that they carry that at my neighborhood Kroger store. So if you're not into making your own, you can buy this dressing premade. 

As always, include what you like and leave out the rest; making this salad your own. It will fill your tummy and make you think happy thoughts of fall - even if the thermometer tells you otherwise. Enjoy this delicious and crisp salad, that's high in protein and low in calories! Happy Fall Y'all!

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
with Pomegranate Vinaigrette 
A perfect mix of peak-season red and green apples, Maytag blue cheese crumbles, sweet
cranberries, red onion and roasted pecans, topped with grilled chicken breast and Pomegranate Vinaigrette.
SERVES 4
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INGREDIENTS
For The Vinaigrette:
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey, or more to taste
  • Kosher Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For The Salad:
  • 1 Head Romaine Lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
  • 3 Grilled Chicken Breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 large Granny Smith Apple, chopped
  • 1 large Fuji or Gala Apple, chopped
  • 1 cup toasted or sugar-caramelized Pecans
  • 3/4 cup dried Cranberries
  • 1 cup Maytag Blue Cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced

WHAT TO DO
For The Vinaigrette:
  • Whisk together the pomegranate molasses, vinegar, mustard, honey and salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
  • Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
For The Salad:
  • Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl. 
  • Add the vinaigrette and toss to coat, season with salt and pepper, if desired.





12 comments:

  1. That looks delicious and I'm with you, I like more vinegar than oil in my dressings too.

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  2. That dressing sounds amazing! I am officially on the hunt for pomegranate molasses!! :)

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    1. It is amazing! I bought my pom-molasses at Whole Foods but have since seen it at Kroger and Tom Thumb. Hope that helps!

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  3. This just sound delicious! I love apples and pecans together, perfect fall flavors! Saying hello from Tuned in Thursday! :-)
    Cathy

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Cathy. This is by far my favorite salad and so great for fall!

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  4. I love salads that are full of flavorful stuff! Thanks for the idea to put these together.

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    1. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and say so Julie! It is delish!

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  5. This looks awesome! I love salad (especially ones like this!)...and your dressing looks amazing! I definitely want to try making that! Thanks so much for linking it up with us at Foodie Fridays!

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    1. Michelle, I could eat salad EVERY day - and do on most. You would think I'd be thin. Hope you enjoy!

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  6. Oh yum, I could dive right into this salad and not come up for air until it was completely finished and then lick the plate clean! Thank you for coming by to Foodie Fridays and sharing this week. Hope to see you again on Thursday.
    Blessings,
    Shari

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    1. It is SO funny that you say that Shari......there are times when I do lick the last bit of dressing out of the bowl. Sad but true!

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