HARVEST CHICKEN SALAD & CIDER VINAIGRETTE (WHOLE30)

September 10, 2018

This Whole30 Harvest Chicken Salad brings fall flavors together in a fresh and nutritious way! I love the combo of massaged kale, crisp sweet apple, crunchy pecans, and zesty cider vinaigrette. I topped mine with juicy chicken, but you can use leftover turkey too 😉 This salad is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo! I could literally eat this everyday. You might also like my Southwest Steak Salad.

Did you know? Kale is high in fiber, protein (3g per 33kcal), vitamins A, C, and K, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, and folate, which is important for preventing birth defects.

How to prepare chicken

For this recipe, you can use boneless skinless breasts or tenderloins. I cooked my chicken in a copper skillet with avocado oil cooking spray (adds a nice butter flavor) over medium-high heat, 4-6 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly browned in spots. I seasoned the chicken on both sides with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder while cooking.

Understanding chicken labels

I always try to buy free-range and antibiotic-free chicken, or better yet, organic and animal welfare approved! Both “organic” and “free range” labels require that the chickens had some access to the outdoors. Likewise, the labels “organic” and “no antibiotics ever” guarantee that no antibiotics were used (it also means the chickens were not kept with other sick or diseased birds).

In addition, “organic” chicken must be fed organic, vegetarian feed (not other chicken parts). “Animal welfare approved” means the chickens were allowed daytime foraging in pasture, and given exposure to natural light and fresh air (more info here).

Sweet potato preparation & substitutions

For the sweet potatoes, peel and cut them into bite-sized chunks, then bake with avocado oil cooking spray at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes, until browned on the edges. There is something so delightful about caramelized sweet potato! Of course, you can omit the sweet potato for a lower carb version, or use butternut squash or delicata squash instead (both of which are lower in carbs).

Other substitutions

Of course, this wouldn’t be a harvest salad without apples and pecans! However, pears and walnuts would be scrumptious too. Feel free to use grapes, almonds, or other fruit and nuts too. For the salad base, I used kale (spinach or mixed greens would work too!). I first removed the stems, then massage the kale gently until somewhat wilted. You want to squeeze the kale leaves in your hands just enough to turn them a slightly more vibrant green. Massaging makes the kale more tender and sweet.

Making the vinaigrette

Last but not least, the vinaigrette is a simple but delicious combo of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and olive oil. You can add a little honey for added sweetness, but I don’t think it needs it! Also, the honey isn’t technically Whole30 (but would be considered Paleo).

Here’s the printable recipe for this Whole30 Harvest Chicken Salad! I hope you’ll rate and/or comment below if you try it 🙂

Created in collaboration with TransformNation.

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