Spinach Salad with Chicken, Apple & Pomegranate

During this crazy, busy, stressful time, I have tendencies to reach towards the junk food while studying.  So, to offset that, I've been trying to offset my increased junk food intake with healthy, nutritious meals.  Thankfully, we watch Biggest Loser every week and they have a smorgasbord of delicious, nutritious meals.

So here is my take on one of their yummy salads.

You may be thinking, "hmmm the title says apple, but I don't see any apple." Well, you'd be extremely observant and correct.  There's not apple in this photo because I forgot it.

This salad has everything. Savory, tart, sweet, and sour; it not only has every taste, but all kinds of nutrition for you - it is the perfect winter salad (in my completely biased opinion).  So if you're stressed and busy, eating well is simple (yes, I realize I sound like a trainer from Biggest Loser - just go with it).

Spinach Salad with Chicken, Apple & Pomegranate
adapted from Biggest Loser

Vinaigrette:
3 T apple cider vinegar
2 T honey
1 T Dijon mustard
1 T olive oil

Salad
1/2 medium red onion
1 medium apple (gala, fiji, etc.)
1/2 t cider vinegar or lemon juice
8 oz. baby spinach leaves
2/3 cup pomegranate arils
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup of cubed rotisserie chicken

In a small bowl (or mason jar), combine vinaigrette ingredients and whisk (or shake) until well combined.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Shake or re-whisk before serving if liquid has settled.

Slice onion in half and then into half moon slices.  Remove core from apple and cut into small cubes combine in a bowl with lemon juice or vinegar to prevent browning.  Place all salad ingredients into a large salad bowl and toss to combine.  Serve with dressing (1 1/2 t per person). Serves 10 salad portions or about 5 entree portions.

Eat and bask in the healthiness.