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–+ servings
Large green apples salad in white bowl.

Healthy Green Apple Salad

This Healthy Green Apple Salad is a light and delicious fall recipe that is sure to impress your friends and family! The base of the salad is a mix of greens topped with balsamic chicken, thinly sliced tart apples, and homemade candied pecans.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 505 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Serving Bowl
  • 1 Frying Pan

Ingredients
  

Candied Pecans

  • 2 Cups Raw Pecans
  • 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil, Melted
  • 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup
  • ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon
  • ¼ Teaspoon Salt

Salad

  • 1 Pound Chicken Breast
  • 11 Ounces Spring Mix
  • 2 Green Apples, Sliced Thinly
  • ⅓ Cup Balsamic Dressing I used Primal Kitchen Balsamic Dressing, but any balsamic dressing will work.

Instructions
 

  • Start by adding chicken breast into a bowl with balsamic dressing. Stir until chicken in fully coated in dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Next, add pecans into a bowl with maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cinnamon, and salt. Stir together until pecans are evenly coated.
  • Pour the pecans onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Spread out evenly.
  • Bake the pecans at 325° for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them because they can burn easily! When they're done, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool completely.
  • Next, add chicken breast into a pre-heated frying pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side. (Depending on how thick the chicken is.) To lock in moisture, cover the pan after you flip the chicken.
  • Then, thinly slice green apples. I like to cut the apple around the core and then slice each quarter the long way.
  • To assemble the salad, add spring mix to a large serving bowl. (You can also make small individual bowls.) Top the spring mix with cooled candied pecans, green apple slices, and chopped balsamic chicken. Serve with balsamic dressing!

Notes

Expert Tips

  • To prevent apples from browning, do not cut until you're ready to serve the salad.
  • Use fresh produce when making any salad! They will be fresh, crisp, and flavorful.
  • To save time, just toss chopped or shredded rotisserie chicken in a vinegarette dressing!
  • Do not pour salad dressing over the entire salad unless you plan to eat it all in one sitting. If you are planning to toss the entire salad in dressing, do not add dressing to salad until you're ready to serve! This prevents the lettuce and nuts from getting soggy.

How to store leftovers

Leftover salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If you plan to serve individual salads, keep all toppings in separate containers and assemble each salad when you're ready to eat!
Any leftover candied pecans can also be stored in the refrigerator.
**See FULL POST for more information and step by step photos.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 505kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 24gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 669mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 785IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 2mg
Keywords fall salad with candied pecans, green apple salad, healthy fall salad, spring mix salad
Did you make this recipe?Tag @freshwaterpeaches on Instagram!