Spinach, Apple & Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing & Cheese Crisps

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Swap out store-bought for this tangy homemade buttermilk and poppy seed dressing to take this healthy salad recipe to the next level. For an even more impressive meal, make your own crunchy cheese crisps in a snap, using phyllo dough, for a delicious accompaniment to this dinner salad. Make extra dressing to keep on hand for other salads throughout the week.

By
Julia Levy
Julia Levy
Julia Levy

Julia Levy has been working in recipe publishing for almost a decade, but testing recipes for as long as she's been able to wield a spoon.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 18, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
A portrait of Breana Killeen, M.P.H., RD
Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 servings
Nutrition Profile:
Diabetes-Friendly Nut-Free Healthy Pregnancy Healthy Immunity Low-Sodium Soy-Free Heart-Healthy High-Protein Low-Calorie
Jump to Nutrition Facts
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Ingredients

  • 3 9-by-14-inch phyllo pastry sheets, thawed

  • 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil plus 2 tablespoons, divided

  • 1 large egg white, beaten

  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

  • 3 tablespoons buttermilk

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • 5 cups baby spinach

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken breast

  • 1 medium Gala apple, sliced

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Place 1 sheet of phyllo on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with 2 teaspoons oil. Top with a second sheet of phyllo, pressing gently to adhere. Brush with 2 teaspoons oil. Place the third sheet on top and brush with egg white. Sprinkle with cheese and thyme. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the phyllo stack into approximately 2-inch squares. Bake until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Let cool for about 3 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, buttermilk, honey, vinegar, poppy seeds, mustard and salt in a medium bowl.

  4. Add spinach, chicken and apple to the bowl and toss to coat. Serve with the phyllo crisps.

Tips

To make ahead: Refrigerate dressing (Step 3) for up to 2 days.

Equipment: Parchment paper

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, April 2019

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

349 Calories
17g Fat
26g Carbs
23g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 1/2 cups salad and 6 crackers
Calories 349
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 23g 46%
Total Fat 17g 21%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 50mg 17%
Vitamin A 4711IU 94%
Vitamin C 23mg 26%
Folate 26mcg 6%
Sodium 567mg 25%
Calcium 190mg 15%
Iron 4mg 20%
Magnesium 79mg 19%
Potassium 249mg 5%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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