Winter Chicken Chopped Salad is a high protein winter salad with roasted vegetables, fresh fruit, and a homemade citrus dressing. Great for lunch or meal prep.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the cubed butternut squash on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Toss the squash to coat and spread it into a single layer.
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
While the squash roasts, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried thyme, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
Chop the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil measured for the dressing.
Massage the kale with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until it begins to soften.
Add the red cabbage, pear, pomegranate seeds, toasted walnuts, and goat cheese to the bowl.
Add the roasted butternut squash and chopped chicken.
In a small bowl, use a wire whisk to mix the remaining dressing olive oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
Divide the salad among 4 bowls and serve.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Chop Everything Small – Keep the chicken, vegetables, and fruit in small pieces so you can enjoy several ingredients in every bite.Choose a Firm Pear – Use a ripe but firm pear so it holds its shape when you toss the salad.Keep the Crunch – Add the toasted walnuts just before serving if you're preparing the salad ahead of time.Adjust the Dressing – Start with a little dressing and add more as needed. You can always serve extra on the side.Make It Ahead – Prepare the chicken, squash, and dressing in advance. Keep everything refrigerated separately until you're ready to assemble the salad.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, keep the dressing and walnuts separate.Keeping Pears Fresh – Add the diced pear shortly before serving to prevent browning and maintain its texture.Reheating – This salad is best served cold or with slightly warm chicken and squash. If storing the ingredients separately, reheat the chicken and squash in the microwave until the chicken reaches 165°F before adding them to the cold salad.Freezing – The assembled salad doesn't freeze well. You can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 3 months and thaw it in the refrigerator before using.