Skip to main content

Walnut Chicken Salad with Green Apple Vinaigrette

4.4

(20)

Although this main-course salad sounds suspiciously Waldorfesque—it includes walnuts, celery, and apple—the fresh vinaigrette gives it a modern flair that sets it apart from its mayonnaise-dressed muse.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    25 min

  • Yield

    Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

2 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons mild honey
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
5 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup finely diced Granny Smith apple
1 small head Boston or Bibb lettuce (1/4 pound), leaves separated and left whole
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved if desired
1/2 cup walnuts (4 ounces), toasted
1 celery rib, thinly sliced

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring 2 inches of water with 2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Add chicken and poach at a bare simmer, partially covered, until just cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes.

    Step 2

    While chicken poaches, whisk together lemon juice, honey, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl until honey and salt have dissolved. Whisk in shallot and oil, then whisk in apple.

    Step 3

    Divide lettuce, grapes, walnuts, and celery between 2 plates and drizzle with half of vinaigrette. Slice chicken and put on top of salads, then drizzle with remaining vinaigrette.

Read More
Sticky-sweet mall-style bourbon chicken gets a fall makeover.
Full of crunchy veg and a miso-maple dressing.
A sheet-pan wonder with lots of crispy rice.
The Thanksgiving staple makes for a stellar weeknight dinner.
A fam-favorite, 30-minute dinner we have on repeat.
This skillet dinner is a delightful way to use up a jug of cider.
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
Cut steak into cubes and suddenly it transforms into a quick-cooking protein.