2tablespoonslight olive oilcoconut, or avocado oil
2tablespoonsapple cidercan substitute 100% apple juice
1tablespoonDijon mustardcountry style, or mustard of your choice
1tablespoonhoney
sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
For the Salad
8cupsspring mix lettuceor any combination of lettuce
1largehoney crisp apple, cored and choppedsubstitute pink lady, gala, or Fuji
2tablespoonspumpkin seeds"pepitas" raw or roasted
3tablespoonschopped pecanssubstitute walnuts or pistachios
3tablespoonsunsweetened, dried cranberries
.25cupfeta cheese, blue cheese, or cubed cheddar optional
Instructions
Make the chicken
Mix the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice together with the cassava flour and arrowroot starch.
Pour mixture onto a plate and dredge each chicken breast through the mixture to thoroughly coat both sides. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden and internal temperature reaches 165 degreesF. Remove to a plate and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
Make the apple cider vinaigrette
Whisk the apple cider, honey, apple cider vinegar, oil, and Dijon together in a large bowl.
Core and chop the apple, then toss with the dressing to keep the apples from browning.
To assemble the salad
Place the lettuce mixture in a large serving bowl. Add the pecans, pepitas, and dried cranberries. Use a slotted spoon to remove the apples from the marinade.
Slice the chicken and add it to the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with sea salt and black pepper and sprinkle with cheese (if using) and serve.
Notes
Substitute 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice for the spice mixture if you happen to have some on hand.
Substitute all-purpose flour for the cassava flour and arrowroot starch if you are not following a whole30, paleo, or gluten-free diet.
You can skip the flour combination all together if you prefer, or just use the spice mixture straight on the chicken.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?The individual components can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble. The apples will turn brown and the lettuce will get soggy.
How do you store leftovers?If you know that you will have leftovers, toss the individual servings with the vinaigrette. Otherwise, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24 hours for best results.
What if I can’t find chicken breast filets?Place regular boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin to pound the chicken until it is even thickness. Cut if needed to fit in the pan.