This warm Harvest Chicken Salad is not your average cold chicken salad! Infused with the rich, roasted flavors of seasonal veggies and paired with tender skillet-cooked chicken, this recipe brings a delightful mix of textures and tastes that embody the spirit of fall. Featuring a creamy, homemade Maple Dijon Dressing and harvest favorites like sweet potatoes, apples, spinach, dried cranberries, and walnuts, this salad is a must-try for all the flavor enthusiasts out there.
This fall-inspired recipe has become a staple in my home. It’s not just the taste that makes it special, but also how the roasted ingredients bring out the cozy flavors of the season. There’s something so much more satisfying about warm chicken salad compared to the usual cold version (although I’m a fan of that too!). This Harvest Chicken Salad has quickly become a family favorite that I find myself preparing every week.
Why You’ll Love This Harvest Chicken Salad
- Warm & Comforting: Unlike traditional cold salads, this version combines freshly cooked chicken and warm roasted vegetables, making it perfect for chilly days.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: You don’t need pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. Simply cook it fresh in a skillet and add it to your salad for that warm, freshly prepared taste.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like apples, spinach, walnuts, and sweet potatoes, this salad provides a delicious balance of nutrients.
- Bursting with Flavor: The Maple Dijon Dressing is a delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a dressing you’ll want to make over and over again.
- Versatile & Easy to Store: Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad stores well and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs.
Ingredients for the Perfect Harvest Chicken Salad
- Boneless Chicken: Cooked fresh in a skillet until golden brown and juicy.
- Sweet Potatoes: Roasted to crispy perfection, adding a slightly sweet note to the salad.
- Spinach: Fresh, tender spinach leaves that balance the richness of other ingredients.
- Apples: Crisp and slightly tart apple slices bring a burst of freshness and crunch.
- Dried Cranberries: For a hint of sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
- Walnuts or Pecans: Toasted nuts add a wonderful crunch and healthy fats.
- Maple Dijon Dressing: Made with a blend of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo, and Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil for a creamy and flavorful finish.
How to Make the Salad
- Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven and place chopped sweet potatoes on a sheet pan. Drizzle with avocado oil and roast until tender and caramelized.
- Cook the Chicken: While the veggies are roasting, season and cook the chicken pieces in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo, and Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the Salad: Combine the roasted veggies, cooked chicken, spinach, apples, cranberries, and walnuts in a large bowl. Drizzle with the Maple Dijon Dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is best enjoyed immediately after tossing when the warm roasted veggies and chicken mingle with the fresh spinach and crisp apples. Serve it as a main course for lunch or dinner, or pair it with a side of sourdough bread, crackers, or a warm croissant for a more filling meal. The slight warmth from the freshly cooked ingredients will make the spinach slightly wilted, adding to the salad’s overall appeal.
Ingredient Spotlight: Primal Kitchen’s Organic Avocado Oil and Mayo
This salad wouldn’t be the same without the use of high-quality ingredients like Primal Kitchen’s Organic Avocado Oil and Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo. These pantry staples not only add healthy fats to the dish but also contribute to the rich, creamy consistency of the dressing. Their clean ingredients and premium quality make them a trusted choice for this recipe.
Meal Prep Tips
If you’re planning to make this salad ahead of time, store the components separately for the best results. Keep the roasted vegetables and cooked chicken in one container, the spinach, apples, cranberries, and nuts in another, and the dressing in a small jar. When it’s time to eat, simply combine and toss everything together.
Storage Instructions
This Harvest Chicken Salad can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Separate storage is recommended to maintain the freshness and texture of each component. When ready to eat, combine the ingredients and drizzle with the dressing for a quick, healthy meal.
Final Thoughts
This salad isn’t just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s about bringing together the best of fall’s harvest in a nourishing and wholesome meal. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures – from the crispy roasted sweet potatoes to the tender chicken and crunchy apples. And let’s not forget that creamy Maple Dijon Dressing that ties it all together. Try this salad for your next meal, and you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite.
More Fall Recipes to Try
- Cranberry Chicken Salad with Apples
- Simple Green Goddess Salad with Homemade Dressing
- Harvest Salad with Quinoa and Butternut Squash
- Fall Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables (Gluten-Free)
With a salad like this, meal prep just got more exciting. Enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite!