Apple Cheddar Chicken Chopped Salad is a high protein, 20-minute healthy lunch with apples, chicken, sharp cheddar, pecans, and creamy apple cider dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, add the romaine lettuce, chicken, apples, celery, cheddar cheese, cucumber, red onion, dried cranberries, pecans, and parsley.
In a small mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Using a wire whisk, mix the dressing until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Toss the salad until all of the ingredients are coated with dressing.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Serving Size: 2½ Cups
Tips and Tricks
Choose firm apples - Firm apples hold their shape and add more crunch. Softer apples may release extra liquid into the salad.Prevent the apples from browning - Toss the chopped apples with a small amount of lemon juice when preparing the salad ahead.Cool the chicken before adding it - Warm chicken can soften the lettuce and melt the cheese. Use chilled or room-temperature chicken.Keep the pecans separate for meal prep - Add the pecans before serving so they keep their crunch.
Storing
Store the salad - Place the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Store the dressing - Refrigerate the dressing in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Stir it before serving.Store leftovers with dressing - Refrigerate dressed salad in an airtight container and use it within 1 day. The lettuce will soften as it sits.Meal prep - Divide the chicken, vegetables, fruit, cheese, cranberries, and pecans among containers. Store the dressing separately until serving.