Apple, Mandarin Orange, Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Dressing

Portion Size: 2 oz. (⅓ c.) chicken, 1 c. lettuce mixture , 2 tablespoons dressing

Ingredients: Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients Notes: 
¼ cup canola oil 
1 ½ lbs. meatless chicken pieces
8 cups baby spinach Leaves separated, washed, and dried. May use other greens. 
1 cup fresh red delicious apples Washed, trimmed and sliced (leave the peeling on for more color and fiber) 
¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
1 cup fresh or canned mandarin orange slices Washed, peeled, pit removed and diced, Remove any tough membranes.
4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing: 
1/3 cup honey
½ cup light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons  fresh orange juice (plus the zest of the orange optional) Washed, peeled, zested and juiced. 
2 teaspoons poppy seeds 
¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

Steps:Directions: Critical Control Point /Quality Assurance
1Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet, sauté chicken breast in oil until warmed . Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F for 15 seconds.
2Chill. Cut into thin strips
3Whisk together salad dressing in a small bowl and chill. 
4On salad plates, arrange spinach, apples, oranges, walnuts, avocado, and feta cheese. Top with chicken. Add, salad dressing just before serving.Chilled internal temperature maintained at 41°F.
5Toss until well coated. Serve immediately

Jacqueline Larson M.S., R.D.N. and Associates