Fall Harvest Chicken Salad

This Fall Harvest Chicken Salad is bright, cozy, and perfect for crisp afternoons when you want something fresh but comforting. It pairs tender shredded chicken with crisp apple bites, toasted pecans, and a creamy yogurt mayonnaise dressing that’s both light and satisfying. If you enjoy quick salad ideas, you might also like our Taco Chicken Salad for another weeknight favorite. Make it for lunches, potlucks, or a picnic and watch how the colors and textures bring a seasonal mood to the table.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe is a celebration of fall flavors without fuss. It combines sweet dried cranberries and apples with the gentle crunch of celery and pecans to give every bite contrast and interest. Using cooked shredded chicken keeps the prep fast and makes the salad adaptable whether you have leftover chicken or rotisserie on hand. The dressing blends Greek yogurt with a touch of mayonnaise so you get creaminess without heaviness. It’s easy to scale up for guests and travels well for packed lunches. For a heartier protein option or to switch up textures, try pairing it alongside an Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders plate for a dinner spread that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Flavor and Texture

This salad lives in the contrast between creamy and crisp, sweet and nutty. The apples add a clean, bright crunch that plays off the chewy pop of dried cranberries. Pecans introduce a buttery richness and subtle toasted flavor that melds with the savory chicken. The Greek yogurt base keeps the dressing tangy while mayonnaise smooths it out for a luscious mouthfeel. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to lift the entire mix and make each ingredient sing.

Ingredients

– cooked chicken, shredded
– apples, diced
– celery, chopped
– dried cranberries
– pecans, chopped
– Greek yogurt
– mayonnaise
– salt
– pepper

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced apples, chopped celery, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
4. Toss until everything is well coated.
5. Serve chilled.

Tips for Best Results

Use apples that hold their texture such as Honeycrisp or Fuji so they do not go mushy after mixing. Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet for a minute or two to deepen their flavor before chopping. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup and stir to combine. Chop the celery and apples uniformly so each forkful has a balanced mix of ingredients. Keep the salad chilled before serving to let flavors meld and to maintain a crisp, refreshing bite.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days for best freshness. If you plan to make it ahead, toss the apples with a squeeze of lemon juice to slow browning. For longer storage keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to preserve crispness. Check pecans before serving and sprinkle a few fresh ones on top to revive their crunch.

Final Thought

This Fall Harvest Chicken Salad is an easy way to bring seasonal flavors to your table without complicated prep. It’s visually appealing, satisfying, and versatile for meals throughout the week. Make a batch and enjoy as a main with greens or as a hearty sandwich filling.

Conclusion

For a variation and more inspiration on harvest-style salads, see this helpful recipe for a similar concept at Harvest chicken salad – Family Food on the Table.

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