Apple Cheddar Grilled Chicken Salad

This hearty Apple, White Cheddar, and Grilled Chicken Salad has become my go-to lunch option for busy weekdays when I want something nutritious yet satisfying. The combination of sweet apples, tangy cheese, and savory chicken creates a perfect balance that keeps me coming back for more.

I first made this salad when looking for ways to use up some leftover grilled chicken, and it's since become a regular in my meal rotation. My family particularly loves how the honey apple cider vinaigrette brings all the flavors together.

Ingredients

• Olive oil provides the base for the vinaigrette and helps carry the flavors while adding healthy fats
• Honey adds natural sweetness and helps the dressing cling to the ingredients
• Apple cider vinegar brings tanginess and brightens the entire dish
• Mustard acts as an emulsifier for the dressing while adding depth of flavor
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts absorb the marinade beautifully and cook quickly
• Fresh lettuce creates the foundation for all the toppings to shine
• Thinly sliced apple adds sweet crunch and pairs wonderfully with the cheese
• Aged white cheddar brings sharp flavor that balances the sweet elements
• Orange flavored cranberries provide chewy texture and bursts of sweetness
• Nuts add essential crunch and healthy fats to round out the salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Marinade/Vinaigrette

Combine olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a glass jar. Shake vigorously until fully combined. The mixture should look thick and emulsified with a beautiful golden color. Reserve half for dressing the final salad and use the remaining half as marinade for the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a ziplock bag and pour half the marinade mixture over them. Seal the bag and massage to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, though overnight in the refrigerator yields the most tender results. The longer marinating time allows the acids to break down the proteins for maximum juiciness.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to high heat. Once hot, place marinated chicken on the grill and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Look for nice grill marks and caramelization from the honey in the marinade. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl or on individual plates, arrange the lettuce as the base. Layer on thinly sliced apples, crumbled white cheddar, dried cranberries, and your choice of nuts. The colorful arrangement makes for a visually appealing presentation. Slice the rested chicken against the grain and arrange on top of the salad.

Dress and Serve

Drizzle the reserved vinaigrette over the assembled salad, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating with the dressing. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.

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The orange flavored cranberries are my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered them at Trader Joes years ago and now keep them stocked in my pantry specifically for this salad. The subtle citrus flavor they add creates an unexpected dimension that elevates the entire dish.

Make Ahead Options

This salad works beautifully for meal prep when stored properly. Prepare all components separately and assemble just before eating. The chicken can be grilled up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The vinaigrette stays fresh for up to a week when refrigerated, though you may need to let it come to room temperature and shake well before using as the oil may solidify slightly. Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning, or toss them in a bit of lemon juice if prepping ahead.

Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Swap the romaine for any sturdy greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed baby greens. The chicken can be replaced with grilled salmon, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If white cheddar isn't available, try goat cheese, feta, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles. For the fruit component, pears or even peaches in summer work beautifully in place of apples. Any type of nuts will work, though I find those with some sweetness like candied pecans or honey roasted almonds complement the other flavors best.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this salad into a complete meal by serving with a slice of crusty artisan bread or a small cup of butternut squash soup on the side. For entertaining, present it on a large wooden board or platter with components arranged separately, allowing guests to build their own perfect bite. When serving for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe and offering extra vinaigrette on the side. This salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the apple and cheese flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?

While you can marinate the chicken for as little as 20 minutes, overnight marination is recommended for the most tender and flavorful results. The honey-apple cider mixture tenderizes the meat while infusing it with a sweet-tangy flavor that complements the other salad ingredients perfectly.

→ Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes! The honey-apple cider vinaigrette can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep even faster, as you'll have the marinade ready whenever you want to prepare the chicken.

→ What are the best apple varieties to use in this salad?

Crisp, sweet-tart apples work best in this salad. Recommended varieties include Envy, Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. These varieties hold their shape well when sliced thinly and provide a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken and soft cheese.

→ Can I substitute the white cheddar with another cheese?

Absolutely! While aged white cheddar provides a nice sharp contrast to the sweet elements, you could substitute with crumbled goat cheese, feta, blue cheese, or even shaved parmesan. Each will create a different flavor profile but still pair wonderfully with the apples and chicken.

→ Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

This salad works well for partial meal prep. You can prepare the vinaigrette, marinate and grill the chicken, and chop all ingredients in advance. Store components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain the optimal texture and freshness. The dressed salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly.

→ How can I make this salad vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add extra protein with chickpeas, quinoa, or roasted tofu. You could also increase the amount of nuts and cheese to maintain a satisfying protein content. The vinaigrette works beautifully on a vegetarian salad as well.