If you’re on the hunt for a dish that delivers on elegance, ease, and flavor, allow me to introduce you to my fall favorite: Pecan Chicken Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Balsamic Vinaigrette. Loaded with everything you crave—crunchy candied pecans, sweet-tart apples, creamy goat cheese, and juicy chicken—all tossed in a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it feels like a meal straight from a cozy bistro. Perfect for a light main, this salad is hearty enough to satisfy but doesn’t leave you sluggish, making it a show-stopper for both weeknight dinners and holiday tables.

Perfect for a light main Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad shines because of its simple, honest ingredients. Each element contributes something special, whether it’s texture, color, or a pop of flavor. Gathering everything is a breeze, and together they make for the kind of salad you’ll crave again and again.

Mixed greens: Choose a base you love like arugula, spinach, or spring mix for freshness and color.
Cooked chicken breasts: Grill or roast ahead for juicy, tender protein that elevates the salad to main-dish status.
Crisp apple: Go with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith; apples add sweetness, crunch, and a splash of autumn.
Pecans: Toasted or candied pecans bring nutty flavor and a delightful, festive crunch.
Goat cheese: For that ultra-creamy, tangy bite that brings everything together.
Red onion: Just a bit, thinly sliced, for gentle sharpness and beautiful color contrast.
Dried cranberries (optional): Sweet-tart and chewy, they play perfectly with the apples and pecans.
Olive oil: The base for your vinaigrette—go for a good, fruity one if you can.
Balsamic vinegar: Tangy, slightly sweet, and key to the vinaigrette’s rich flavor.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
Honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness for balance—either works beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: To round out the vinaigrette; taste and adjust as needed.

How to Make Perfect for a light main

Step 1: Whisk Up the Balsamic Vinaigrette

Start with the vinaigrette so the flavors can meld. Grab a small jar or bowl and whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), plus a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Shake or stir until creamy and smooth—taste and tweak to your liking.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Slice your cooked chicken breasts thinly or shred them for more texture. Wash and dry your greens, then thinly slice the apple and red onion for maximum crispness and bright bites. Toast your pecans lightly if they aren’t candied—this brings out their warm, toasty flavor.

Step 3: Build the Salad

In a big bowl or on a platter, arrange your greens first, followed by the sliced chicken, apples, pecans, goat cheese, and red onion. Sprinkle over the cranberries if you’re using them. Each layer adds color and personality to your salad.

Step 4: Dress & Toss

Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette generously over everything. Gently toss with tongs or clean hands, so each bite gets a bit of all the good stuff. Serve right away, while everything is fresh and crisp—truly perfect for a light main.

How to Serve Perfect for a light main

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, add extra crumbles of goat cheese on top and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. A few additional candied pecans or paper-thin apple slices look stunning and add texture. Chopped fresh parsley or chives can add a burst of green if you want to jazz it up even further.

Side Dishes

This salad is truly perfect for a light main, but it also plays wonderfully alongside a warm, crusty baguette or a sweet potato soup for a fall-inspired meal. Want it even heartier? Serve with a scoop of quinoa or farro tossed in, or pair with a simple roasted vegetable medley for more color and nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

Show it off! Serve the salad on an oversized platter for buffet-style gatherings, or try arranging individual salads on chilled dinner plates for an elegant starter. Little mason jars layered with each component make cute, portable options for picnics or meal prep—a fun, unexpected twist that’s still perfect for a light main.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, store the salad and vinaigrette separately to avoid sogginess. Pop the salad in an airtight container and keep the vinaigrette in a small jar; both will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days. This keeps each ingredient tasting vibrant and fresh.

Freezing

While the salad itself doesn’t really freeze well (those greens and apples just won’t bounce back), cooked chicken freezes beautifully. You can cook and slice extra chicken ahead of time, freeze in a zip-top bag, then thaw and use to quickly assemble a fresh batch whenever the craving for a perfect for a light main strikes.

Reheating

No need to reheat the assembled salad, but if you’re using chicken prepared in advance, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop before tossing into your greens. Room temperature chicken is also totally fine and keeps the salad perfect for a light main—just avoid serving it cold straight from the fridge for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a delicious shortcut, keeps the salad quick, and is perfect for a light main on busy weeknights.

What apple variety is best for this salad?

Honestly, any crisp apple works, but Honeycrisp and Fuji lend lovely sweetness, while Granny Smith brings tartness. For color and crunch, mix a couple if you want to wow guests!

Is there a substitute for goat cheese if I’m not a fan?

Yes! Crumbled feta or even blue cheese are wonderful swaps; blue cheese offers a bold, tangy punch, while feta is milder but still perfectly creamy—either way, your salad remains perfect for a light main.

Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

You bet! Whip up the balsamic vinaigrette a few days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before dressing your salad.

What if I want this salad vegetarian?

Simply leave out the chicken and pile on extra pecans or chickpeas for plant-based protein. It’s just as satisfying and still perfect for a light main, no matter your preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Chicken Salad with Apples, Goat Cheese & Balsamic Vinaigrette has earned a permanent spot in my healthy-meal rotation. Next time you need something comforting yet still perfect for a light main, give this salad a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to fall in love with salad all over again!