Chicken Harvest Salad

Juicy, tender chicken, crisp bacon, apples, figs and almonds with a honey Dijon vinaigrette. The ultimate, feel-good autumn salad!

Yield: 4-6 servings | prep time: 20 minutes | cook time: 20 minutes | total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, cut into thirds
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• Kosher salt freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 large bunch kale, stems removed and leaves shredded
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
• 1 cup quartered fresh figs
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup roasted salted almonds, coarsely chopped
• 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

For the honey Dijon vinaigrette

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, honey and thyme; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat. Season chicken with thyme, onion powder and garlic powder.
4. Brush chicken with canola oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add chicken to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10 minutes.
5. To assemble the salad, place kale in a large bowl; top with bacon, chicken, apple, figs, celery, almonds and goat cheese. Pour the honey Dijon vinaigrette on top of the salad and gently toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately.