Grilled Apple and Honey Chicken Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

*I was compensated by Tyson Foods to produce this post.*

 This past weekend we enjoyed sunny weather with temperatures of 80 degrees. That is almost unheard of this time of year in Minnesota. It was another great opportunity to use the outdoor grill before cold weather sets in. My husband and I had just finished housework on Saturday, and I decided to make this delicious Grilled Apple and Honey Chicken Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette for lunch. It turned out delicious and made a perfect weekend lunch!

Grilled Apple and Honey Chicken Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients

1 package (30 oz) Tyson® All Natural boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
1/3 cup raisins
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash nutmeg

Fresh spinach or your favorite salad lettuce mix
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Marinade Ingredients:

2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons apple juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Raspberry Vinaigrette Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (thawed if frozen)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup olive oil
Pinch of salt

Cut chicken into strips and place in Ziploc bag. Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
Bring marinade ingredients to a boil over medium heat. Cool slightly and add to chicken in bag. Close bag and move contents around to cover all chicken pieces.
Marinate in fridge for at least two hours.
Mix together apple slices, raisins, 1 tablespoon honey, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Divide the chicken and apple mixtures among four double thickness heavy-duty foil (about 18?x12?)
Fold foil around chicken mixture and seal tightly.
Heat grill.
Grill, covered, over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes or until chicken reaches at least 170 degrees
Open foil carefully to allow steam to escape.
Mix together vinaigrette ingredients.
Place spinach on plates and top with chicken and apple mixture.
Sprinkle with pecans and pour dressing over salad before serving.

For this recipe I used Tyson Fresh Chicken because it is all natural* with no added hormones or steroids**.  I’ve learned Tyson has a heritage of producing chicken that has been raised by family farmers by family farmers for over 75 years. I especially like that it arrives at the store fresh, delivered within days from leaving the farm.

For even cooking results, I highly recommend moving the foil packs around on the grill every couple of minutes.

Instead of making a homemade raspberry vinaigrette, you could easily use store bought or another favorite vinaigrette dressing. I found that the raspberries added some vibrant color and flavor to my salad. I really like apple, chicken and raspberry flavor combination.

Consider adding cheese crumbles to the salad if desired such as feta or bleu cheese and even using toasted pecans!

Tyson Fresh Chicken has a long heritage working with family farmers for over 75 years, and they are sharing their knowledge at PickTysonFresh.com. For more great recipes, including grilled favorites like these Asian Chicken Kabobs, check out Tyson’s Meal Ideas and Recipes.

* Minimally processed. No artificial ingredients.
**Federal regulations prohibit the use of added hormones or steroids in chicken.