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The first step in assembling your salad is to prepare the chicken. There are several methods for cooking chicken breast, each with its own pros and cons:

Cheddar Apple Chicken Salad

Discover the delightful Cheddar Apple Chicken Salad with Crunchy Nuts, a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures. This nutritious dish combines tender chicken, crisp apples, and sharp cheddar cheese, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. With the added crunch of nuts and a tangy dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Ideal for lunches, picnics, or light dinners, this salad is a refreshing delight that everyone will love. Try it today for a tasty and balanced meal!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (can be grilled, boiled, or roasted)

1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Fuji for a tart flavor), diced into small cubes

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1/3 cup celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely minced

1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional for extra crunch)

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a creamier texture)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for tanginess

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for brightness

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh greens (arugula or spinach) for a vibrant presentation, optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t cooked your chicken yet, do so by boiling, grilling, or roasting it until fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes). Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.

    Chop the Ingredients: While the chicken cools, dice your chosen apple into small, uniform cubes to ensure even distribution in the salad. Finely chop the celery and red onion. If you're including nuts for added texture, chop those as well.

      Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as preferred.

        Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced apple, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped celery, red onion, and nuts (if using). Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the dressing.

          Chill and Serve: To enhance the flavors, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling period allows the ingredients to mesh wonderfully.

            Serve on Fresh Greens: If you wish, create a beautiful presentation by serving the cheddar apple chicken salad on a bed of fresh greens such as arugula or spinach. Enjoy your delightful and refreshing salad that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner!

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4