Harvest Chicken & Apple Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Lunch

Oct 27

This isn’t your typical “I’ll just eat a salad” kind of meal.
This is a main character salad — crisp apples, roasted squash, grilled chicken, and crunchy walnuts drizzled with the most addictive maple-Dijon vinaigrette.

It’s a mix of warmth and freshness, the perfect bridge between cozy comfort food and clean, vibrant energy.

Because nourishing your body doesn’t mean restriction — it means flavor, texture, and joy in every bite.

💪 Why This Salad Slaps (Nutritionally + Spiritually)

🍗 Chicken Breast
Your steady source of lean protein — supports muscle recovery, metabolism, and balanced blood sugar.
Fun fact: Pairing protein with fiber (hello, apples + greens) helps your body stay full, calm, and focused.

🍎 Apple & Roasted Squash
Nature’s sweet duo. Full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and grounding earth energy.
In herbal wellness, apples are said to bring renewal, while squash nourishes your root — the energy of stability and safety.

🌿 Greens (Arugula, Kale, or Spinach)
Full of minerals and magnesium to soothe your nervous system and support hormone balance.

🥜 Walnuts or Pecans
For crunch and healthy fats — they help you absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K from the rest of the salad.
Fun fact: Walnuts are brain-shaped for a reason — they actually support cognitive health.

🍁 Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
The perfect sweet-savory balance that brings the whole dish to life. Maple adds warmth and comfort, while Dijon gives that subtle kick.

🍴 The Recipe

Serves: 1
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min
Protein: ~45g | Calories: ~525

Ingredients

6 oz grilled chicken breast
2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
½ cup roasted squash (butternut or delicata)
½ small apple, thinly sliced
1 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
Sea salt + pepper

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp pure maple syrup
½ tsp apple cider vinegar
Pinch of sea salt

Directions

Whisk dressing ingredients together until smooth and emulsified.
Toss greens, apple, and roasted squash with half of the vinaigrette.
Top with grilled chicken and walnuts.
Drizzle with the rest of the vinaigrette, season with salt + pepper, and enjoy every crisp, cozy bite.

✨ Optional: Add crumbled goat cheese or sliced avocado for extra creaminess.

🔥 Macros (approx.)

Calories: 525
Protein: 45g
Fat: 25g
Carbs: 30g

🌿 Tips & Swaps

✨ Swap apple for pear or roasted beets for an earthier twist.
✨ Use salmon or roasted turkey instead of chicken.
✨ Sub almonds or pumpkin seeds for crunch if you’re nut-free.
✨ Make a double batch of dressing — it’s even better the next day.

💬 Sacred Herb Studio™ Ritual

As you slice the apple and whisk your vinaigrette, slow down.
This is your grounding moment — where nourishment meets mindfulness.

Smell the herbs, taste the sweetness, and remember that eating well isn’t a chore — it’s a way of reconnecting with your own rhythm.
Each bite is balance: crisp and soft, sweet and savory, effort and ease.

📸 Tag your fall-inspired power bowl with #SacredHerbEats — because real nourishment is a ritual worth celebrating.

Yield: 1

Author: Laura Paquin