Fast And Healthy Chicken Salad With Apples

Author: Nancy Welker

This is an easy dinner salad you can whip up in no time, even on the busiest of days.  I love the flavor apples give to so many dishes, and salads provide the perfect canvas for the sweet-tartness of varieties such as Granny Smith.  You can always use other types of apples, or mix a few of them together to put your own stamp on this dish.

Special nutrition note:
There are lots of good things in this salad that will taste wonderful, and give your body a great dose of vitamins, minerals, healthy fat and protein.  In particular the cranberries help your kidneys function properly, the lemon juice helps break down excess fat stores, and the avocado gives your skin a beautiful dose of the right kind of fat.

What You\'ll  Need
3 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 avocado, diced
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1 1/2 cups diced fresh black or red raspberries
1/2 cup pine nuts
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup white wine vinegar or to taste – you can substitute apple juice here to cut down on sodium
Salt and pepper to taste

Makes 6 Servings

The  How To
A day or two in advance: 
Place the chicken breasts and Italian dressing into a re-sealable plastic bag. Mix together to coat the chicken with the dressing, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil grate.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill the chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center, or to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 3 minutes per side.
Wrap in foil and refrigerate to keep ready for making your salad in a hurry.
Making your dinner salad: 
Dice your chicken and put aside.
Toss the diced apple with the lemon juice in a large mixing bowl until well coated; drain and discard any excess lemon juice. Place the lettuce into the mixing bowl, then sprinkle with the diced chicken, avocado, feta cheese, raspberries and cranberries. Gently toss the salad with the Italian dressing, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestion:
To complete your meal, serve this salad with whole grain rolls, using honey mixed with unsalted butter as a spread.  Make fresh iced tea, homemade lemonade, or keep the super-quick theme going by using sparkling water with a wedge of lemon or orange as your choice of beverage.  For dessert, jell-o prepared in advanced is always refreshing, as is a scoop of pineapple or coconut sorbet.
Enjoy!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/salads-articles/fast-and-healthy-chicken-salad-with-apples-6159958.html

About the Author
I\'m Nancy Welker, the founder of Get Fit For Life, and author of 'American Women Don\'t Have To Get Fat'.  I\'m a Master Trainer, hold a degree in Fitness & Nutrition, six certifications, and a diploma in Cosmetology & Esthetics. I\'m a dedicated researcher of beauty products, fitness modalities, skin care treatments, foods and supplements.
I\'ve devoted my 55 years to health and fitness and I believe that how you live every day is the main contribution to your overall wellness.  I have an autistic teenage son, and six years ago I went through the breast lump 'scare' and had surgery to remove the growths.  I pass on what I know from experience and education to my subscribers.
Beauty is what comes from beneficial habits that you make permanent. Stress management is crucial to maintaining a healthy body weight, a beautiful complexion and positive relationships.  Cosmetics and cosmetic procedures are all well and good, but will never make up for poor diet and lack of exercise. My aim is to share my knowledge with women in order to dispel the myths and get them on the path to being well and looking well!