Holiday Green Salad with Candied Pecans, Chicken & Goat Cheese
Bright, festive, and SO easy — perfect for holiday gatherings.
Keyword: candied pecans, chicken salad, holiday side dish
Servings: 6 servings
Salad
- 6 cups spring mix or mixed baby greens
- 1-2 Honeycrisp apples or ripe pears thinly sliced
- 1 cup pomegranate arils or dried cranberries
- 1 cup candied pecans from Trader Joe’s or similar
- 1 avocado sliced (optional)
- 1/2 small red onion very thinly sliced
- 1 cup goat cheese feta, or blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast sliced or shredded
- rotisserie or pre-cooked strips work great
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt + pepper to taste
- Whisk or shake in a small jar until smooth.
Add greens to a large serving bowl or platter.
Add sliced apples or pears, pomegranate or cranberries, candied pecans, red onion, chicken, and cheese.
Drizzle with dressing right before serving and gently toss.
Add extra pecans or pomegranate on top to make it pretty.
Optional Add-Ons
Roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes
Candied walnuts instead of pecans
Swap chicken for roasted turkey
Add quinoa for a heartier feel