Chicken Apple New Years Luck (Printable version)

Tender chicken meets crisp apples and black-eyed peas in a tangy honey-mustard tossed salad.

# What you need:

→ Protein & Legumes

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
02 - 1 1/2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

→ Produce

03 - 2 medium apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
04 - 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
05 - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale)
07 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

→ Dressing

08 - 3 tbsp olive oil
09 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tbsp honey
12 - 1/2 tsp salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

14 - 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
15 - 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (omit for dairy-free)

# Steps to follow:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, black-eyed peas, diced apples, celery, red onion, and parsley.
03 - Add mixed salad greens and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
04 - Drizzle the prepared dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated.
05 - Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts and crumbled feta if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • It brings together New Year's luck traditions without any of the heaviness, just fresh crunch and bright flavors.
  • The honey-mustard dressing clings to everything perfectly, balancing sweet and tangy in every bite.
  • You can prep the components ahead and toss it together in minutes when guests arrive.
  • It works as a light main or a hearty side, and somehow feels special without any fuss.
02 -
  • Don't dress the salad until you're ready to serve—it gets soggy fast and the apples start weeping.
  • If your red onion tastes too sharp, soak the slices in ice water for five minutes and pat them dry.
  • Taste the dressing before you pour it on. Honey and vinegar vary, so adjust to your preference.
03 -
  • Toast your nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they smell nutty and golden—it takes three minutes and makes a huge difference.
  • If you want the dressing to be creamier, add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt or mayo and whisk it in.
  • For a heartier meal, serve this over warm quinoa or farro instead of greens.
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