Best Ever Harvest Chicken Salad – Quick & Healthy

Introduction

Are you looking for a refreshing meal that combines nutrition with incredible flavor? This harvest chicken salad might just become your new favorite go-to recipe! First of all, it brings together juicy chicken, crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruits in a light, creamy dressing. Moreover, it's incredibly versatile – enjoy it as a sandwich filling, over mixed greens, or straight from the bowl!

What makes this harvest chicken salad special is its perfect balance of sweet and savory elements. Additionally, it's packed with protein and fiber to keep you satisfied for hours. Furthermore, you can prepare it in advance for quick lunches throughout the week.

Let me show you how to create this delicious meal that celebrates the best flavors of the harvest season, regardless of what time of year it is!

Why You'll Love This Harvest Chicken Salad

This isn't just any chicken salad recipe. Above all, it's a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make each bite interesting and satisfying. The tender chicken provides lean protein, while the fruits and nuts add nutritional variety and crunch.

Besides being delicious, this harvest chicken salad is incredibly practical. For instance, you can make a large batch on Sunday and enjoy it for several days. Consequently, you'll have healthy meals ready when you're too busy to cook.

Another reason to love this harvest chicken salad is its adaptability. You can easily customize it based on what you have available or your dietary preferences. As a result, it never gets boring, even if you make it regularly!

Ingredients You'll Need

For this delicious harvest chicken salad, gather these fresh ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 medium apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Gala work beautifully)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ⅓ cup diced red onion
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Best Chicken Options for Harvest Chicken Salad

Before diving into the preparation, let's talk about the best chicken to use for your harvest chicken salad:

1. Rotisserie Chicken: This is my go-to option because it's convenient and flavorful. Simply remove the skin and shred or dice the meat.
2. Poached Chicken Breasts: For a lighter option, gently simmer chicken breasts in water with a bay leaf and some salt until cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Roasted Chicken: If you have time, roasting chicken breasts with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper creates wonderful flavor.
4. Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover grilled or roasted chicken from previous meals.
5. Canned Chicken: In a pinch, well-drained canned chicken can work, though it won't have quite the same texture as fresh chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you haven't already cooked your chicken, start by preparing it using one of the methods mentioned above. Then, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces. This step can be done a day in advance to save time.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. As a result, you'll have a creamy, tangy dressing that perfectly complements the harvest chicken salad ingredients.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced apple, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, red onion, celery, and fresh parsley. Next, pour the dressing over the ingredients. After that, gently fold everything together until all pieces are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the harvest chicken salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together beautifully. Subsequently, you can serve it chilled in various delicious ways.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile harvest chicken salad can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

• Classic Sandwich: Serve between slices of whole grain bread with lettuce and tomato.
• Wrap It Up: Roll it in a tortilla with some fresh spinach for a quick lunch.
• Protein-Packed Salad Topper: Spoon it over mixed greens for a complete meal.
• Low-Carb Option: Fill avocado halves or hollowed-out tomatoes with the harvest chicken salad.
• Party Platter: Serve with crackers or crostini as an appetizer.
• Stuffed Croissants: For a more indulgent treat, fill buttery croissants with the chicken salad.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this harvest chicken salad lies in its adaptability. Here are some delicious variations:

• Harvest Chicken Salad with Grapes: Substitute halved red grapes for the apple for a juicy burst of sweetness.
• Mediterranean Version: Add olives, feta cheese, and swap the dried cranberries for sun-dried tomatoes.
• Tropical Twist: Include diced pineapple and toasted coconut flakes for an exotic flavor.
• Spicy Harvest Chicken Salad: Add a diced jalapeño and a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
• Autumn Harvest Chicken Salad: Include roasted butternut squash cubes and a pinch of cinnamon in the dressing.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This harvest chicken salad is perfect for meal prep! Here's how to store it properly:

1. Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
2. Serving from Cold: The flavors actually improve after the first day as they have time to meld together.
3. Freezing: Unfortunately, this salad doesn't freeze well due to the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients. Therefore, make only what you can consume within a few days.
4. Refreshing Leftover Salad: If the salad seems dry after a day or two, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayo to refresh the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvest Chicken Salad

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative or use all mayonnaise (or vegan mayo for a completely dairy-free version).

How can I make this harvest chicken salad lower in calories?

To reduce calories, use all Greek yogurt instead of the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt combination. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of nuts and dried cranberries.

What's the best apple to use?

Crisp, sweet-tart apples work best in harvest chicken salad. For instance, Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples are excellent choices as they don't brown too quickly and maintain their crunch.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! This harvest chicken salad is very flexible. You can add diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or even chopped broccoli for extra nutrients and crunch.

How far in advance can I make this for a party?

For the freshest flavor and texture, prepare your harvest chicken salad no more than 24 hours before your event. However, you can prep all the ingredients separately up to 2-3 days ahead and combine them the day before serving.

Why This Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe Works

What makes this harvest chicken salad recipe stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Most importantly, the combination of protein-rich chicken with sweet fruits, crunchy vegetables, and toasted nuts creates a satisfying meal that appeals to many palates.

The dressing brings everything together with its creamy texture and tangy-sweet flavor profile. Furthermore, using part Greek yogurt not only makes it healthier but also adds a pleasant tanginess that complements the sweet elements.

Above all, this recipe is forgiving and flexible. You don't need to measure everything perfectly, and you can adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available. As a result, it's a recipe you'll return to again and again with slight variations each time.

In conclusion, this harvest chicken salad offers a delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor for nutrition. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also provides a satisfying option for lunch or dinner any day of the week. Try it today, and discover your new favorite chicken salad recipe!