Fall Harvest Apple & Pecan Chicken Salad

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the appeal of seasonal dishes becomes undeniable. Autumn invites us to embrace the bounty of fresh produce, and there's no better way to celebrate this harvest than with a vibrant salad. The Fall Harvest Apple & Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of flavors that exemplifies the essence of fall.

Embrace the flavors of fall with this delightful Fall Harvest Apple & Pecan Chicken Salad. Combining juicy apples, tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and dried cranberries, this easy recipe is perfect for seasonal gatherings or a wholesome lunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's nutritious and delicious, showcasing the best of autumn's bounty. Tossed in a creamy dressing, each bite is a celebration of colors and flavors that will warm your heart this season. Enjoy!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

1 large apple, cored and chopped (preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/3 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer flavor)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh spinach or mixed greens, for serving

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Begin by cooking your chicken if not using pre-cooked. You can poach, grill, or bake it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let it cool down and then chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Toast the Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the pecans. Toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and let them cool.

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, chopped apple, celery, dried cranberries, red onion, and toasted pecans. Toss them gently to combine.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix Dressing with Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken salad mixture and toss everything together until the components are well coated.

Serve: Place a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens on individual plates or a large serving platter. Spoon generous portions of the apple and pecan chicken salad on top.

Garnish & Enjoy: Optionally, garnish with extra chopped pecans or slices of apple for presentation. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings