Crafting a Chick-fil-A-inspired market salad infuses your meal prep with a burst of flavor, making it a refreshing kickoff to any dining experience. This delightful dish weaves together crisp leafy greens, succulent fresh fruits, and juicy sliced chicken, presenting a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
This salad, perfect for balmy summer gatherings or as a revitalizing lunch option, quickly becomes a crowd-pleaser thanks to its use of fresh, quality ingredients. It boasts a verdant base of romaine, green leaf, and iceberg lettuces, crowned with vibrant strawberries, a tart granny smith apple, and a sprinkle of crunchy granola.
Tailored for any taste, the salad can be made with either crispy chicken tenders or grilled chicken breasts, adding a versatile touch. Topped with an assortment of cheese crumbles, dried fruits, and roasted walnuts, it’s finished off with your choice of a light balsamic dressing or a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as it is wholesome.
What You’ll Need
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 2 cups spring mix salad
- 1 cup granola
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 granny smith apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles
- ½ cup roasted walnuts
- Salad dressing of choice: honey mustard or avocado lime ranch dressing
Preparing the Dish
- Cook the chicken: season 2 chicken breasts with a teaspoon salt and a teaspoon black pepper, then cook on medium heat with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil until golden and cooked through. Let chicken cool, then slice into thin strips.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of spring mix salad, a mix of romaine, iceberg, and green leaf lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the toppings: Arrange the chicken slices over the greens, then top with 1 cup granola, 1 cup blueberries, sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced granny smith apple.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with feta cheese crumbles and roasted walnuts. Drizzle with honey mustard or avocado lime ranch dressing just before serving.
Optional Variants
- For added crunch, include a cup of gluten-free chicken nuggets, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Enhance the nutritional value by adding healthy fats like sliced avocado or seeds such as chia or flaxseed.
- Dietary substitutions: Use kale crunch salad in place of the spring mix for a heartier green option, or a gluten-free granola mix.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 350 per salad serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g, with healthy fats from nuts and avocado
- Fiber: 5g
- Vitamin C: Provided by fresh fruit toppings
Factors to Consider
- Ensure to dry all leafy greens thoroughly to prevent a soggy salad.
- For maximum freshness, add the salad dressing just before serving.
- Consider pairing with a side of Chick-fil-A sauce for an authentic Chick-fil-A experience.
- For a lighter option, opt for a vinaigrette like balsamic or Chick-fil-A zesty apple cider vinaigrette.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Require
- A sharp knife for slicing chicken and fruit
- A large mixing bowl for assembling the salad
- A grill pan or skillet for cooking the chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
Prep Time
For an efficient meal prep, this chicken salad requires about 20 minutes of active preparation time. Begin by cooking the chicken, which takes approximately 15 minutes, then allow an additional 5 minutes for the chicken to cool.
Slice the chicken as thinly as possible for easy eating. Assembling the salad ingredients should take no more than 5 minutes when all components are prepped and ready to go.
Final Touches
- For a visually appealing presentation, layer the leafy greens first and then arrange the sliced chicken, fruits, and nuts on top.
- Complement the salad with a side of fresh baguette or cornbread muffins for a complete meal.
- Offer a selection of dressings on the side, such as honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette, to cater to individual preferences.
What to do With Leftovers
- Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.
- If using a salad dressing, store it separately to keep the salad from becoming soggy.
Recipe Notes
- For a zesty twist, make a homemade dressing with 3 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper mixed with a cup of honey.
- Boost the salad’s flavor by adding crumbled blue cheese and a mix of red and green apples for a tart and sweet contrast.
- Adapt this recipe throughout the seasons by using a variety of fresh beds of mixed greens and seasonal fruits for variety and maximum freshness.
- Explore other Chick-fil-A recipes, like the spicy southwest salad, by incorporating similar ingredients and copycat recipes for dressings.
What is in the market salad at Chick-fil-A?
Chick-fil-A's Market Salad is a flavorful salad that combines fresh ingredients like mixed greens, sliced grilled chicken, crumbled blue cheese, and fresh fruit, including strawberries and blueberries.
It's topped with pecans for a crunchy texture. The apple cider vinaigrette dressing is a popular choice, adding a tangy flavor that complements the salad well. Suppose you love Chick-fil-A's salads but prefer to make this salad at home.
In that case, a copycat Chick-fil-A market salad recipe can be found online, allowing you to enjoy this delicious recipe with nutrition facts similar to the original.
Is Market Salad Chick-fil-A healthy?
Yes, the Market Salad at Chick-fil-A is considered healthy due to its nutrition information, which includes a generous serving of vegetables and fruits, making it a nutritious option.
The salad contains mixed greens, fresh fruit, and sliced grilled chicken, offering a good balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's best to keep the dressing on the side for those monitoring calorie intake.
The apple cider vinaigrette dressing is a lighter option that pairs well with the salad, enhancing its nutritional value.
Did Chick-fil-A get rid of market salad?
As of my last update, there was no widespread information about Chick-fil-A discontinuing the Market Salad. This flavorful salad, known for its fresh ingredients and healthy profile, remains a favorite among customers.
However, menu items can change, so it's best to check Chick-fil-A's official website or contact a local restaurant directly for the most current information.
The Market Salad's popularity, due to its fresh bed of mixed greens, fruit, and tangy dressing, suggests it's likely to stay on the menu.
What are the healthiest salads?
The healthiest salads combine various fresh ingredients, including mixed greens, fresh fruit, and lean proteins like sliced grilled chicken. Chick-fil-A's Market Salad or a homemade Cobb Salad can be nutritious choices.
Opting for salads with a base of dark, leafy greens such as romaine and adding colorful vegetables, fruits like green apples, strawberries, and blueberries, along with a source of healthy fat like avocado, ensures a well-balanced meal.
For the dressing, light options such as homemade apple cider vinaigrette or light balsamic dressing enhance the salad's flavor without adding excessive calories.
Delicious Chick-Fil-A Market Salad Recipe for Salad Lovers
Equipment
- A sharp knife for slicing chicken and fruit
- A large mixing bowl for assembling the salad
- A grill pan or skillet for cooking the chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons, for accurate ingredient portions.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 2 cups spring mix salad
- 1 cup granola
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 granny smith apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles
- ½ cup roasted walnuts
- Salad dressing of choice: honey mustard or avocado lime ranch dressing
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: season 2 chicken breasts with a teaspoon salt and a teaspoon black pepper, then cook on medium heat with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil until golden and cooked through. Let chicken cool, then slice into thin strips.
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of spring mix salad, a mix of romaine, iceberg, and green leaf lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the toppings: Arrange the chicken slices over the greens, then top with 1 cup granola, 1 cup blueberries, sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced granny smith apple.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with feta cheese crumbles and roasted walnuts. Drizzle with honey mustard or avocado lime ranch dressing just before serving.
Notes
- For a zesty twist, make a homemade dressing with 3 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper mixed with a cup of honey.
- Boost the salad’s flavor by adding crumbled blue cheese and a mix of red and green apples for a tart and sweet contrast.
- Adapt this recipe throughout the seasons by using a variety of fresh beds of mixed greens and seasonal fruits for variety and maximum freshness.
- Explore other Chick-fil-A recipes, like the spicy southwest salad, by incorporating similar ingredients and copycat recipes for dressings.
More Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipes
Chick-fil-A Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Chick-fil-A Mac n Cheese Recipe
Chick-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Recipe
Chick-Fil-A Creamy Salsa Dressing Recipe
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