Description
Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this hearty, vibrant salad. It pairs juicy, oven-baked chicken tenders encased in a golden cornmeal crust with the refreshing snap of tart Granny Smith apples, toasted pecans, and creamy gorgonzola. Finished with a light, zesty honey-mustard dressing, this dish provides the perfect balance of cozy, comforting textures and crisp, seasonal ingredients, making it an ideal wholesome meal for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb chicken tenders
Juice of 1 fresh lemon
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons grainy mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 5-ounce bag mixed greens
1 large Granny Smith apple, chopped
1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola
1/3 cup pecans
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg; in a second bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then roll in the cornmeal mixture to coat thoroughly.
Arrange chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
While chicken bakes, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, and honey in a jar.
Assemble the salad by placing greens, chopped apples, pecans, and gorgonzola in a large bowl.
Top with warm chicken tenders and drizzle with the honey-mustard dressing before serving.
Notes
Ensure the chicken tenders are patted dry before dredging to help the cornmeal coating adhere better. For extra crispiness, you can toast the pecans in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the salad. This salad can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is best to add the dressing and warm chicken right before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg