Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken Recipe

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If you’re craving a vibrant, hearty, and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season, the Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This salad effortlessly combines the crisp sweetness of honeycrisp apples and dried cranberries with the savory richness of tender chicken and creamy feta, all balanced by a tangy honey-Dijon dressing. It’s a delightful celebration of autumn’s bounty that’s as colorful to look at as it is delicious to eat, making it a perfect anytime meal or crowd-pleasing option at your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a crucial role in delivering the salad’s signature blend of textures and flavors. From the nutty quinoa to the crunchy pecans, every bite is packed with personality and autumn comfort.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein star that brings heartiness and satisfies hunger without overpowering the salad.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and dressing.
• Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and in the dressing to add smooth richness and a light fruity note.
• Mixed baby greens: A fresh, tender base that adds vibrant color and a mild flavor foundation.
• Cooked quinoa: This grain adds a delightful chewiness and boosts the salad’s nutritional profile with protein and fiber.
• Honeycrisp apple: Crisp and juicy, these apples bring a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Dried cranberries: They contribute bursts of chewy tartness that enhance the seasonal feel of the dish.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, feta adds a luxurious mouthfeel and flavor contrast.
• Toasted pecans: These provide earthy crunch that elevates every mouthful with warmth and texture.
• Dressing ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper combine to create a perfectly balanced dressing that ties the whole salad together.

How to Make Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures the chicken develops flavor from the inside out, setting the stage for a juicy, savory result.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to cook through yet stay tender and golden brown on the exterior for that beautiful appetizing look.

Step 3: Let Chicken Rest and Slice

Once cooked, remove the chicken and allow it to rest for five minutes. Resting is key to keeping the chicken juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into thin, elegant strips that will blend effortlessly with the salad’s ingredients.

Step 4: Combine the Salad Base

Grab a large bowl and mix together the baby greens, cooked quinoa, diced honeycrisp apple, dried cranberries, crumbled feta, and toasted pecans. This colorful combination is the heart of the salad, bursting with varied textures and deep autumn flavors.

Step 5: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Be sure to season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is where the salad gets its vibrant, tangy-sweet personality that brightens every bite.

Step 6: Toss the Salad

Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the salad bowl and toss everything thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the luscious dressing. This step melds the diverse flavors and textures into one harmonious dish.

Step 7: Add the Chicken

Place the sliced chicken on top of your tossed salad. You can gently mix it in or arrange the chicken strips on top for a more elegant presentation. Either way, the tender chicken married with the crisp salad creates pure fall magic.

Step 8: Serve or Chill

Enjoy your salad immediately for the perfect balance of crisp and freshly dressed greens, or refrigerate it for up to 4 hours if you prefer it chilled – both options are delicious in their own right.

How to Serve Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Consider sprinkling a few extra toasted pecans or a handful of fresh herb leaves such as parsley or thyme on top right before serving. These small touches add a pop of color and extra aroma that make the salad even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad stands supreme on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or a warm squash soup for a cozy fall meal. The crunchy bread is great for scooping up the salad, while the soup contrasts with a soothing warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in a large wooden bowl for rustic charm or in individual glass jars for a charming presentation perfect for picnics or lunch on the go. Layering the ingredients in a jar keeps them fresh and visually stunning until it’s time to toss and eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and quinoa hold up well, and adding dressing only when ready to serve keeps the greens crisp and fresh.

Freezing

While the components of this salad are best fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken breasts separately for up to three months. Just thaw completely before slicing and assembling the salad to maintain perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm but not overcooked, then add it back to your freshly tossed salad. Avoid reheating the salad itself as it will wilt the greens and change the delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in the Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! While honeycrisp apples offer the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness with superb crunch, you can swap in Granny Smith for extra tartness or Fuji for a sweeter note. Just pick a crisp apple to keep the salad lively.

Is quinoa necessary in this salad?

Quinoa is a wonderful addition for texture and nutrition, adding a subtle nuttiness and hearty bite. However, if you prefer, you can substitute with couscous, farro, or even leave it out for a lighter salad.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding chickpeas or roasted butternut squash for a plant-based protein boost. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegetarian and still pack big flavor.

What dressing can I use if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice make excellent alternatives and still provide that bright acidic touch to balance the honey and mustard in the dressing.

How long does the salad stay fresh after dressing it?

Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed within 4 hours for optimal crispness and flavor. Beyond that, the greens tend to wilt and the textures soften, so for best results, dress just before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken Recipe is truly a celebration of autumn’s best flavors and textures, effortlessly combining nutrition, taste, and beauty in one bowl. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning dish to impress guests, this salad delivers warmth and freshness with every bite. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again as your go-to fall favorite!

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