Harvest Chicken Salad

This Harvest Chicken Salad is a delightful dish to celebrate the flavors of autumn. Packed with crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet dried cranberries, and rich pecans, it offers a perfect blend of textures and tastes. The creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and mayo adds a refreshing touch that balances the salad beautifully. This recipe is not only ideal for weeknight dinners but also great for gatherings, picnics, or meal prep. Enjoy the seasonal goodness in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of apples, cranberries, and pecans brings a delightful sweetness and crunch to every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a light lunch, dinner option, or even as a side at gatherings.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein from chicken and probiotics from Greek yogurt, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prep; it stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Harvest Chicken Salad, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Glass measuring cup or bowl
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures your dressing is smooth and well-blended for optimal flavor.
• Glass measuring cup or bowl: Allows for accurate measurements when preparing your dressing.

Ingredients

This Fall harvest chicken salad is loaded with apples, celery, dried cranberries, pecans and a creamy dressing that uses both Greek yogurt and mayo. It’s perfectly creamy and crunchy with a touch of sweetness.

For the Salad

• 2 large chicken breasts (cooked and diced)
• 1 diced apple (such as Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

For the Dressing

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk are best)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Harvest Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a glass measuring cup or bowl, combine the ingredients for the dressing: Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk together until smooth. Taste for seasoning adjustments if necessary.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

1. In a mixing bowl, add all of the salad ingredients: cooked chicken breasts, diced apple, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
2. Pour in the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.

Step 3: Serve

Taste for seasoning one last time before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Harvest Chicken Salad either immediately or refrigerate it to let the flavors meld together!

How to Serve Harvest Chicken Salad

Serving Harvest Chicken Salad can elevate any meal, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. This versatile dish pairs well with various sides and can be presented in numerous ways to delight your guests.

On a Bed of Greens

• Fresh Spinach: Serve the salad on a bed of fresh spinach for added nutrients and a vibrant color contrast.
• Arugula: The peppery flavor of arugula complements the sweetness of the apples perfectly.

In a Wrap

• Whole Wheat Tortilla: For a quick lunch, wrap the chicken salad in a whole wheat tortilla for a portable meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create low-carb, crunchy wraps that are refreshing and light.

As a Sandwich

• Multigrain Bread: Spread the salad between slices of multigrain bread for a hearty sandwich option.
• Croissant: For a touch of indulgence, serve it in a flaky croissant to enjoy the creamy filling with buttery goodness.

With Crackers

• Whole Grain Crackers: Pair the salad with whole grain crackers for a satisfying crunch and healthy snacking option.
• Pita Chips: Serve alongside pita chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Harvest Chicken Salad

To achieve the ideal Harvest Chicken Salad, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples and crisp celery make all the difference in this salad’s taste and crunch.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the dressing before mixing; adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge allows flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing every bite.
• Add More Crunch: Consider adding chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch if desired.
• Experiment with Nuts: Try different nuts like walnuts or almonds if you want to switch up the flavor profile.
• Make it Ahead: This salad is perfect for meal prep; prepare it ahead of time for quick lunches throughout the week.

Best Side Dishes for Harvest Chicken Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Harvest Chicken Salad can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf adds protein and nutty flavor, complementing the salad nicely.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring warmth and sweetness, making them an excellent fall side dish.
3. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans offer freshness and vibrant color alongside your salad.
4. Crispy Potato Wedges: Baked potato wedges provide a hearty element that pairs well with creamy salads.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad enhances the sweetness found in the chicken salad while keeping things light.
6. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings seasonal flavor; grill it for added smokiness that contrasts with your dish.
7. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice seasoned lightly with herbs as an excellent base or side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Harvest Chicken Salad can be simple, but a few common mistakes may lead to less than stellar results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not properly seasoning your dressing can make your salad bland. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Using overcooked chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough in your salad. Ensure your chicken is cooked just right for added juiciness.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or old ingredients can affect flavor. Always opt for fresh apples, celery, and herbs to elevate your dish.
• Not chilling before serving: Serving the salad immediately after mixing can lead to a lack of flavor melding. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for better taste.
• Overloading on dressing: Too much dressing can drown out the other flavors. Start with less, adding more gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Harvest Chicken Salad

• Not recommended for freezing as it may alter texture and flavor.
• If necessary, freeze components separately (chicken and dressing).

Reheating Harvest Chicken Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place salad in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between each session until warmed to your preference.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Harvest Chicken Salad recipe that might help clarify any doubts.

Can I customize my Harvest Chicken Salad?

Yes! You can add nuts, seeds, or different fruits like grapes or pears for varied flavors.

How long does Harvest Chicken Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts about 3 days.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or a plant-based yogurt if preferred.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep as it holds up well when stored.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly in this salad.

Final Thoughts

This Harvest Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or seasonal fruits. It’s an excellent option for a light lunch or dinner that packs nutrition and flavor. Give it a try!