Name: Harvest Chicken Salad Maple: Amazing Fall Flavor
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons avocado oil, divided; 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces (~2 cups); 1 small red onion, diced (~1 cup); 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 lb raw chicken breast, cubed; 4 large handfuls fresh spinach (5 ounces); 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1 medium apple, diced (about 1 cup); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted; For The Creamy Maple Dijon Dressing:; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Harvest chicken salad maple has become my go-to dish when I want something comforting yet fresh, especially as the leaves start to turn. I remember the first time I tried making it myself, wanting to capture that perfect blend of sweet and savory that reminds me of autumn picnics. The aroma of roasted sweet potatoes and onions filled my kitchen, and the creamy maple Dijon dressing was pure magic. If you’re wondering how to make harvest chicken salad maple, trust me, it’s simpler than you think and absolutely delicious. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Harvest Chicken Salad Maple

This dish is a winner for so many reasons, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. You’ll absolutely adore the incredible taste, which perfectly balances sweet maple with savory roasted vegetables and tender chicken. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, with most of the work done in about 30 minutes total, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients like lean chicken, vibrant spinach, and nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, offering a great source of protein and fiber. This chicken salad with maple and harvest ingredients is also quite budget-friendly, using common pantry staples and seasonal produce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both family-friendly and sophisticated enough for guests. The delightful combination of flavors and textures ensures you’ll want to make this chicken salad with maple and harvest ingredients again and again.

Ingredients for Maple Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe

Gather these delicious components for a truly satisfying meal. You’ll need 2 teaspoons avocado oil, divided, for roasting. For the roasted elements, grab 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces (~2 cups) and 1 small red onion, diced (~1 cup), seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon fine salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. For the protein, we have 1 lb raw chicken breast, cubed. Freshness comes from 4 large handfuls fresh spinach (5 ounces), 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1 medium apple, diced (about 1 cup). The delightful crunch in this harvest chicken salad with maple and nuts comes from 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted. For the creamy dressing, prepare 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons avocado oil, 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup for that signature sweetness, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and a final pinch of 1/4 teaspoon fine salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Harvest Chicken Salad Maple: Amazing Fall Flavor - Harvest Chicken Salad Maple - additional detail

How to Make Harvest Chicken Salad Maple

Step 1: Let’s get this flavorful salad started! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet and combine the diced sweet potato and red onion. Drizzle them with 1 teaspoon of avocado oil, then sprinkle generously with 1/4 teaspoon fine salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss everything well to ensure even coating. Spread these colorful veggies out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast them for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re tender and starting to get those lovely caramelized edges. The aroma filling your kitchen is the first sign you’re making an easy harvest chicken salad maple!
Step 2: While your vegetables are roasting, let’s cook the chicken. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of avocado oil, swirling it around the pan. Once shimmering, add the cubed chicken breast. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.
Step 3: Now for the star of the show – the dressing! In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons avocado oil, 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Season with 1/4 teaspoon fine salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until it’s beautifully smooth and combined. This creamy, tangy dressing is what makes this chicken salad recipe maple harvest so special.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh spinach, dried cranberries, diced apple, and toasted chopped walnuts or pecans. Once the roasted sweet potatoes and onions have cooled slightly (about 5-10 minutes), add them to the bowl with the other ingredients.
Step 5: Add the rested, cooked chicken cubes to the large bowl. Drizzle that glorious creamy maple Dijon dressing over everything. Gently, but thoroughly, toss all the ingredients together. You want to make sure every bite of this easy harvest chicken salad maple is coated in that delicious dressing. The mix of textures and flavors is incredible!
Step 6: Serve your amazing harvest chicken salad maple immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh when the flavors are vibrant and the textures are at their peak. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Autumn Harvest Chicken Salad Maple

Elevate your salad game with these insider tips for the most delicious harvest chicken salad maple experience. Toasting your nuts is key – it really brings out their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken and crisp apples. For a lighter touch, consider swapping half the mayonnaise in the dressing for plain Greek yogurt; it gives a fantastic creamy texture with a bit of tang. Don’t be afraid to customize! If you don’t have sweet potatoes, roasted butternut squash works beautifully, or swap the walnuts for pecans for a slightly different nutty profile in your maple harvest chicken salad.

What’s the secret to perfect harvest chicken salad maple?

The real secret to a perfect savory maple chicken salad harvest lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Roasting the vegetables until tender and slightly caramelized adds depth, while the creamy maple Dijon dressing ties everything together with its sweet and tangy notes. Don’t overcook the chicken – it should be juicy, not dry. Gently mixing everything ensures the delicate ingredients like spinach and apples don’t get bruised.

Can I make harvest chicken salad maple ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the roasted vegetables and cook the chicken a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing and store it in a separate container as well. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine all the salad ingredients, add the chicken and dressing, and toss. This makes assembly a breeze for a quick lunch or dinner.

How do I avoid common mistakes with harvest chicken salad maple?

A common pitfall is overmixing the salad, which can make the spinach wilt and the chicken break down too much. Mix gently! Another mistake is not toasting the nuts; they add a crucial textural contrast. Lastly, ensure your chicken is fully cooked but not overdone. Using an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is the best way to guarantee juicy chicken.

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Best Ways to Serve Chicken Salad Recipe Maple Harvest

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this vibrant salad! It’s fantastic served chilled on a bed of fresh mixed greens or butter lettuce for a light and healthy lunch. For a more substantial meal, pile it high on toasted sourdough bread or croissants for a delightful sandwich. This chicken salad recipe maple harvest also pairs beautifully with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup, making it the best chicken salad for fall harvest. You can even serve it in hollowed-out bell peppers or small loaves of bread for a fun presentation.

Nutrition Facts for Harvest Chicken Salad Maple

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional goodness in each serving of this delightful salad. Please note that these are approximate values.

Calories: 420 kcal
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 320 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Harvest Chicken Salad Maple

Proper storage is key to keeping this delicious salad fresh and safe to eat. Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, allow any leftovers to cool down completely at room temperature for no more than two hours. Then, transfer the harvest chicken salad maple into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping. While it’s not ideal for freezing due to the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, you can freeze components like the roasted vegetables and cooked chicken separately for up to 3 months if needed. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and vegetables on the stovetop or in the microwave, then toss with the dressing and fresh ingredients like apples and spinach for the best texture. This method ensures your chicken salad with maple syrup and fall vegetables remains flavorful and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvest Chicken Salad Maple

What is harvest chicken salad maple?

Harvest chicken salad maple is a delightful seasonal dish that combines cooked chicken with the flavors of fall harvest ingredients. Think roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and often a creamy dressing featuring maple syrup and Dijon mustard. It’s a hearty, flavorful salad perfect for autumn lunches or light dinners.

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use chicken, you can easily substitute it with cooked turkey, chickpeas for a vegetarian option, or even firm tofu. Just ensure your substitute is cooked and cooled before adding it to the salad. The core idea of this seasonal chicken salad maple recipe is the combination of fall produce with a sweet and savory dressing.

What are some other harvest ingredients I could add?

You can get creative with your maple harvest chicken salad! Consider adding roasted butternut squash, diced pears, fresh pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and tartness, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are also a wonderful addition for extra crunch and flavor in this autumn harvest chicken salad.

How do I make the maple Dijon dressing less sweet?

If you find the dressing a bit too sweet for your liking, you can easily adjust the maple syrup. Try reducing the amount to 2 tablespoons and increasing the Dijon mustard slightly to 1.5 tablespoons for a tangier profile. You can also add a dash more apple cider vinegar. This flexibility is what makes this chicken salad recipe maple harvest so adaptable to your taste preferences.

Variations of Harvest Chicken Salad Maple You Can Try

This wonderful salad is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian twist on this seasonal chicken salad maple recipe, swap the chicken for a can of rinsed chickpeas or some crumbled firm tofu. You can also experiment with different cooking methods; instead of roasting the vegetables, try sautéing them for a quicker preparation. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of curry powder to the dressing for an Indian-inspired kick, or perhaps some chopped celery for extra crunch in your maple harvest chicken salad.