Although this main-course salad sounds suspiciously Waldorfesque—it includes walnuts, celery, and apple—the fresh vinaigrette gives it a modern flair that sets it apart from its mayonnaise-dressed muse.
Ingredients
2 skinless boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons mild honey
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
5 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup finely diced Granny Smith apple
1 small head Boston or Bibb lettuce (1/4 pound), leaves separated and left whole
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved if desired
1/2 cup walnuts (4 ounces), toasted
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
Directions
Bring 2 inches of water with 2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan. Add chicken and poach at a bare simmer, partially covered, until just cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes.
While chicken poaches, whisk together lemon juice, honey, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl until honey and salt have dissolved. Whisk in shallot and oil, then whisk in apple.
Divide lettuce, grapes, walnuts, and celery between 2 plates and drizzle with half of vinaigrette. Slice chicken and put on top of salads, then drizzle with remaining vinaigrette.
