Harvest Chicken Salad : One of my favorite autumn dishes is a hearty Harvest Chicken Salad—a perfect blend of seasonal fruits, crisp veggies, nuts, and lean chicken.
What is Harvest Chicken Salad?
Harvest Chicken Salad is a refreshing and wholesome dish that combines the best of fall’s produce. It’s typically made with ingredients like:
- Chicken (grilled, roasted, or leftover from last night’s dinner)
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Gala work wonderfully)
- Dried cranberries (for a sweet, tart punch)
- Pecans or walnuts (adding a nutty crunch)
- Greens like spinach, kale, or arugula
- Feta or goat cheese (for a creamy contrast)
Tips and Tricks for the Best Harvest Chicken Salad
Balance the flavors: Ensure you have the right mix of sweet (apples, cranberries), savory (chicken, cheese), and crunchy (nuts, greens) components for the perfect bite.
Massage the greens: If using tougher greens like kale, give them a quick massage with a little olive oil and salt to soften them up and improve their texture.
Toast the nuts: Toasting the pecans or walnuts for a few minutes in a dry pan will enhance their flavor and add extra crunch.
Use fresh, in-season produce: Since this is a fall-inspired salad, it’s best to use apples and greens that are in peak season for the most vibrant flavors.
Make it your own: Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Add roasted sweet potatoes, sliced pears, or even pomegranate seeds for a twist on the classic.
Variations of Harvest Chicken Salad
While the classic Harvest Chicken Salad recipe is perfect as is, there are plenty of variations you can try to make it your own:
Paleo/Keto-Friendly: Use avocado and olive oil instead of cheese and skip any added sweeteners in the dressing to keep it paleo or keto-compliant.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and replace it with roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a hearty vegetarian version.
Vegan: Omit the cheese and use a maple-Dijon dressing instead of honey. Tofu can replace the chicken as a plant-based protein.
Grain Bowl: Add cooked quinoa, farro, or wild rice to the salad to make it even more filling and nutritionally dense.
How to Serve Harvest Chicken Salad
This salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
- Main course: As a light but satisfying lunch or dinner, perfect for those seeking a healthy, balanced meal.
- Side dish: Serve it alongside roasted meats or fish for a well-rounded dinner.
- Potluck favorite: It’s colorful and hearty, making it a great dish to bring to fall gatherings or potlucks.
To elevate the presentation, consider serving the salad on a large wooden platter, garnished with extra nuts, apple slices, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a restaurant-style look.
How to Store Harvest Chicken Salad
Storing the Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator. The salad should be kept in an airtight container and consumed within 2-3 days. The dressing can last up to a week in the fridge. When ready to eat, toss the salad with the dressing to keep it fresh and crisp.
Freezing the Salad
While the chicken can be frozen, it’s not recommended to freeze the salad as a whole, especially with ingredients like apples and greens, which tend to lose their texture when thawed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Harvest Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the components in advance and store them separately. Keep the dressing in an airtight container and only toss the salad with the dressing when you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy greens.
What type of chicken should I use?
You can use any type of chicken you prefer! Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor, while roasted chicken brings a savory richness. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or even shredded leftover chicken from a previous meal.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Certainly! If you’re not a fan of feta or goat cheese, try blue cheese for a bolder flavor or even a mild cheddar for a more classic taste.
Harvest Chicken Salad
Harvest Chicken Salad : One of my favorite autumn dishes is a hearty Harvest Chicken Salad—a perfect blend of seasonal fruits, crisp veggies, nuts, and lean chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken (6 ounces)
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (8 ounces)
- 1 cup diced apple (100 grams)
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 6 cups mixed greens, roughly chopped (180 grams)
- ¼ cup orange vinaigrette
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- ⅓ cup goat cheese (1.5 ounces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment, toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25-35 minutes until browned and fork-tender.
- Make the Dressing: While the potatoes are roasting, whip up your orange vinaigrette in a jar. Adjust to taste.
- Prep the Salad Ingredients: Chop the greens and dice the apples to keep things fresh and easy.
- Assemble the Salad: Let the roasted potatoes cool for a couple of minutes, then in a large bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded chicken, sweet potatoes, apples, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dress & Toss: Pour the orange vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together for a well-coated, flavorful bite.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 647Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 665mgCarbohydrates: 68gFiber: 11gSugar: 32gProtein: 40g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
The Harvest Chicken Salad is a fall staple that offers a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or side dish, its versatility means you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. The combination of sweet apples, savory chicken, crunchy nuts, and tangy cheese is irresistible, and the simple yet flavorful dressing ties everything together beautifully.
Other delicious chicken recipes to try:
