Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad

This Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad is loaded with crisp pears, tangy craisins, pecans, feta and juicy chicken! It’s the perfect Fall Salad and this simple balsamic vinaigrette will win you over.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts (2 large) trimmed and halved lengthwise
• 1/2 tsp Garlic salt (or to taste)
• 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 head romaine lettuce (8 cups chopped) rinsed and dried
• 2 pears cored and sliced
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup pecans lightly toasted on a dry skillet
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (4 oz) crumbled

Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove pressed or finely minced
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (regular olive oil also works)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

• Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thin cutlets. Season chicken cutlets on both sides with garlic salt and black pepper. Place a large skillet over medium heat with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add chicken cutlets and sautee 3-4 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let chicken rest while preparing the salad then slice the chicken into strips.
• Meanwhile, in a medium dry skillet, toast pecans over medium heat for 5 minutes, tossing frequently or until pecans are fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped romaine, sliced pears, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled feta and cooked sliced chicken.
• Combine dressing ingredients in a small mason jar. Cover with lid and shake vigorously to combine. If any separation occurs, shake again just before using. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, adding it to taste then toss to combine.