The moment you take a bite of this Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette, you’ll see why vibrant salads are my go-to in the fall. It’s that perfect blend of crunchy sweetness from fresh Fuji apples and the tender, savory chicken that makes my taste buds dance. Not only is this salad packed with nutritious ingredients, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up for a quick lunch or a light dinner that’s sure to impress. The creamy champagne vinaigrette ties everything together, creating a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without the guilt. So, are you ready to elevate your salad game and bring a touch of autumn to your table? Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Why Choose Fuji Apple Chicken Salad? Crunchy Freshness: The crisp Fuji apples bring a vibrant sweetness that contrasts perfectly with savory chicken, making each bite a delightful experience. Nutty Flavor: Toasted pecans add a rich crunch that elevates the texture, ensuring you’re never bored with every forkful. Creamy Goodness: The luscious champagne vinaigrette ties the whole salad together, providing a tangy accent that dances on your palate. Quick to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking, this salad can be whipped up in no time—perfect for a busy weeknight meal! Versatile Twist: Want something different? Try it with rotisserie chicken or add dried cranberries for a sweet touch. Pair it with Cucumber Shrimp Salad for a refreshing combo! Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Ingredients • For the Salad Fuji Apples – Adds sweetness and crispness; substitute with sweet apples or use apple chips for convenience. Pecans – Provides a nutty crunch; walnuts or almonds can be substituted. Brown Sugar – Enhances the sweetness of pecans; optional for a less sweet taste. Pickled Onions – Offers tangy depth; can replace with raw onions, though not recommended. Chicken Breast/Thighs – Main protein; can be grilled, broiled, or use rotisserie chicken for ease. Spring Greens – Forms the salad base; any mixed greens or spinach works as a substitute. Grape Tomatoes – Adds juiciness and acidity; cherry tomatoes are a good alternative. Gorgonzola Cheese – Provides creaminess and flavor; feta or goat cheese can be used as a replacement. Salt and Pepper – Enhances overall flavor; use to taste. • For the Dressing Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette – Lends richness and tang; store-bought balsamic dressing can be a quick substitute if needed. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette. Step 1: Make Apple Chips Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Thinly slice Fuji apples using a mandoline or sharp knife, ensuring uniform thickness for even drying. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 1 hour, then flip the apple slices over and return them to the oven for an additional hour until they are fully dried and lightly crisped. Step 2: Toast Pecans In a medium skillet, heat pecans over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure they toast evenly. Add brown sugar and continue stirring until the nuts are golden brown and fragrant. Once done, transfer the pecans to a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely, allowing the sweetness to crystallize as they cool. Step 3: Prepare Dressing In a mixing bowl, whisk together champagne vinegar, minced garlic, cream, mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste until combined. Gradually whisk in olive oil, creating an emulsion that should appear thick and creamy. Set the creamy champagne vinaigrette aside to allow the flavors to meld together while you assemble the salad. Step 4: Assemble Salad In a large mixing bowl, toss together spring greens with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor at the base of your Fuji Apple Chicken Salad. Layer on the cooked chicken, apple chips, toasted pecans, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. Drizzle the creamy champagne vinaigrette generously over the top and gently toss to combine all the delightful ingredients. Make Ahead Options These Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette components are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the apple chips, toasted pecans, and creamy vinaigrette up to 3 days ahead of time to save you effort during busy weeknights. Simply bake your apple slices in advance, store them in an airtight container to maintain their crunch, and keep the pecans in a cool, dry place. The vinaigrette can be refrigerated (stir well before using) to ensure its flavor stays bright. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the salad by tossing together your spring greens, cooked chicken, grape tomatoes, cheese, and the prepared components, and enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort! Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Variations Add your unique flair to this Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with endless customization possibilities that will tantalize your taste buds! Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cheese alternative like cashew cheese for a creamy texture without dairy. Nut-Free: Swap out pecans for sunflower seeds to maintain crunch and avoid allergens. Fruit Boost: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins for an additional burst of sweetness and chewiness. Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the dressing for a heat that excites your palate! Protein Swap: Switch out chicken for grilled shrimp for a lighter, seafood-inspired version. It pairs wonderfully with the vinaigrette. Extra Greens: Mix in arugula or kale for a peppery flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully. Herbed Twist: Infuse the dressing with fresh herbs like basil or dill for an aromatic lift that’s refreshing and uplifting. Crunch Variations: Swap out grape tomatoes for diced bell peppers to introduce crispness and color that pops on your plate. Feel free to experiment and discover mouthwatering combinations! Love salads? Try pairing this with a beautiful Beet Spinach Salad or an invigorating Herb Radish Salad. Enjoy crafting your perfect Fuji Apple Chicken Salad! Expert Tips for Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Chicken Check: Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly and tender. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it for even distribution throughout the salad. Prep Ahead: Make pickled onions a day in advance to allow their flavors to deepen, keeping them fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Dress It Up: Serve the salad immediately after tossing to maintain the crunch of the apple chips and the freshness of the greens. Mix and Match: Enjoy the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with different proteins like turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Sweeten Wisely: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, omit the brown sugar when toasting pecans, enhancing the nutty taste instead. How to Store and Freeze Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. Freezer: It’s best not to freeze the salad once assembled, as the textures will suffer. However, you can freeze components like cooked chicken and pecans for up to 2 months. Reheating: If using cooked chicken from the freezer, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before adding to the salad. Dressing Storage: The creamy champagne vinaigrette can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Shake or whisk before using to re-emulsify. What to Serve with Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful salad, consider these sumptuous pairings that will create an unforgettable meal experience. Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf complements the crunch of the salad and provides a perfect vehicle for the creamy vinaigrette. Autumn Soup: A light but hearty pumpkin soup adds a seasonal touch, enhancing the fall flavors already present in the salad. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and soft texture contrast beautifully with the crunch of the salad, adding warmth and comfort. Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa with herbs and vegetables makes for a nutty side that adds protein, balancing the lightness of the salad. Sparkling Apple Cider: The refreshing bubbles and apple undertones of this drink beautifully echo the crispness of the Fuji apples. Harvest Fruit Platter: A medley of seasonal fruits, like pears and cranberries, creates a colorful and refreshing side that brightens up your meal. Cheese Board: A simple cheese assortment, featuring brie or cheddar, provides a creamy counterpart, making lovely pairings with bites from the salad. Chocolate Mousse: This light, airy dessert offers a decadent finish, ensuring your meal ends on a wonderfully sweet note without overpowering the healthy elements. Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs What type of apples should I use for this salad? Absolutely! Fuji apples add the perfect blend of sweetness and crunch. However, if you can’t find them, you can substitute with any sweet apple variety like Honeycrisp, or even grab some apple chips for a convenient alternative. How long can I store the salad in the fridge? You can store the assembled Fuji Apple Chicken Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and freshness, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to dig into your delightful meal! Can I freeze any components of the salad? Very! While it’s not recommended to freeze the salad once assembled (the textures will be compromised), you can freeze cooked chicken and toasted pecans for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before adding to your salad. What if I don’t have all the ingredients? Are there substitutions? Of course! This salad is quite versatile. If you’re missing pecans, try walnuts or almonds. For the gorgonzola cheese, feta or goat cheese works beautifully. And if you’re looking for a different protein, turkey or even chickpeas make for fantastic substitutes. How do I store and prepare the dressing for optimal freshness? To store the creamy champagne vinaigrette, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. I recommend shaking or whisking it before use to ensure it’s nicely emulsified again. It’s a great tip to make your prep days easier! Can pets have any of the ingredients in the salad? While some ingredients like chicken and apples are safe for pets, be cautious! Avoid giving your furry friends gorgonzola cheese or anything with dressing, especially ones containing vinegar or mustard. Always check with your vet if unsure! Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette Bliss Enjoy a vibrant Fuji Apple Chicken Salad with Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette, combining fresh apples, savory chicken, and a creamy dressing for a tasty meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 2 hours hrsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad2 pieces Fuji Apples Adds sweetness and crispness; substitute with sweet apples or use apple chips for convenience.1 cup Pecans Provides a nutty crunch; walnuts or almonds can be substituted.1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Enhances the sweetness of pecans; optional for a less sweet taste.1/2 cup Pickled Onions Offers tangy depth; can replace with raw onions, though not recommended.2 cups Chicken Breast/Thighs Main protein; can be grilled, broiled, or use rotisserie chicken for ease.4 cups Spring Greens Forms the salad base; any mixed greens or spinach works as a substitute.1 cup Grape Tomatoes Adds juiciness and acidity; cherry tomatoes are a good alternative.1/2 cup Gorgonzola Cheese Provides creaminess and flavor; feta or goat cheese can be used as a replacement.to taste Salt and Pepper Enhances overall flavor; use to taste.For the Dressing1/4 cup Creamy Champagne Vinaigrette Lends richness and tang; store-bought balsamic dressing can be a quick substitute if needed. Equipment OvenskilletMixing bowlBaking sheetParchment Paper Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Thinly slice Fuji apples using a mandoline or sharp knife, ensuring uniform thickness for even drying. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 1 hour, then flip the apple slices over and return them to the oven for an additional hour until they are fully dried and lightly crisped.In a medium skillet, heat pecans over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure they toast evenly. Add brown sugar and continue stirring until the nuts are golden brown and fragrant. Once done, transfer the pecans to a sheet of parchment paper to cool completely, allowing the sweetness to crystallize as they cool.In a mixing bowl, whisk together champagne vinegar, minced garlic, cream, mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste until combined. Gradually whisk in olive oil, creating an emulsion that should appear thick and creamy. Set the creamy champagne vinaigrette aside to allow the flavors to meld together while you assemble the salad.In a large mixing bowl, toss together spring greens with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor at the base of your Fuji Apple Chicken Salad. Layer on the cooked chicken, apple chips, toasted pecans, halved grape tomatoes, and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. Drizzle the creamy champagne vinaigrette generously over the top and gently toss to combine all the delightful ingredients. Nutrition Serving: 1saladCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure chicken is cooked thoroughly and tender. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it for even distribution. Prep pickled onions a day in advance for better flavor, and serve immediately after tossing for best texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
