There’s something magical about creating a meal that feels gourmet but takes almost no time to prepare. This Blue Cheese Salad is one of those meals for me. It all started on a chaotic Tuesday. You know the kind—emails piling up, meetings back-to-back, and by the time I realized it, the clock had struck 7:00 PM, and my stomach was practically yelling at me.
I didn’t want to spend ages cooking, nor did I want to order takeout (again). So, I did what I always do when I’m in a pinch: I opened my fridge and started pulling out whatever looked promising.
A bag of mixed greens, a leftover grilled chicken breast, a crisp apple, and a chunk of blue cheese all caught my eye. The result was a salad so flavorful and satisfying that I’ve been making it regularly ever since.
Now, I want to share this recipe with you—not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s also incredibly flexible, quick, and healthy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving it as a starter for a dinner party, this salad is bound to impress.

Quick and Healthy Blue Cheese Salad
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Salad tongs or mixing spoons
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 4 cups mixed greens (spring mix, arugula, spinach, or a combination)
- 1 apple or pear (thinly sliced; Gala apples or Bartlett pears recommended)
- 1 cup grilled chicken breast (optional, sliced or diced)
- 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/3 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the GreensIn a large salad bowl, place 4 cups of mixed greens. If serving two, divide between two plates or bowls.
- Slice Fruits and VegetablesThinly slice the apple or pear, leaving the skin on for added texture (optional). Slice the red onion into delicate strips.
- Add Key Ingredients and ToppingsSprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the greens, then add the grilled chicken if desired. Finish by layering the apple slices, candied nuts, and dried cranberries evenly across the salad.
- Dress the SaladDrizzle 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette evenly across the salad. Gently toss if desired or leave as-is for presentation.
- Season and ServeAdd a pinch of salt and a few cracks of fresh pepper. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Nut Alternatives: If you don’t have candied nuts, use plain roasted ones or toast them briefly in a dry skillet for extra crunch.
- Dressing Substitutions: Try a honey mustard, olive oil and lemon juice, or raspberry vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
- Fruit Variations: Swap apples for pears, or try using seasonal fruits like fresh figs or peaches.
Why This Salad Works
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This Blue Cheese Salad hits every note on the flavor spectrum:
- Sweet: The apple or pear and dried cranberries.
- Savory: The blue cheese and grilled chicken.
- Crunchy: The candied nuts and fresh greens.
- Tangy: The balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together.
And the best part? It’s incredibly healthy. The greens provide fiber and nutrients, the chicken gives you lean protein, and the nuts and cheese add healthy fats. It’s a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your body.
A Pro Tip for Meal Prepping
If you’re short on time during the week, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Store the greens, chicken, sliced fruit, and toppings in separate containers, and assemble the salad right before serving.
You can also prep the chicken for a Classic Chicken Philly Sandwich in advance, making it even easier to create a hearty meal on busy days. This way, you’ll always have a fresh, crisp meal ready in minutes.