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Crisp harvest apple pecan chicken salad with shredded chicken, diced Honeycrisp apples, toasted pecans and creamy cider poppy seed dressing

Harvest Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

This Harvest Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is the quintessential autumn lunch. Combining tender shredded chicken, crisp Honeycrisp apples, buttery toasted pecans, chewy dried cranberries, and creamy feta cheese, it is tossed in a vibrant homemade apple cider poppy seed dressing for the ultimate sweet-and-savory crunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Harvest Salad Base
  • 3 cups approx. 450g cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp or Gala apples cored and chopped into bite-sized cubes
  • 3/4 cup 85g pecans, roughly chopped and lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup 60g dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup 60g crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 2 ribs fresh celery thinly sliced for crunch
  • 1/4 cup finely minced red onion or sliced scallions
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach mixed greens, or crisp romaine (for serving)
Creamy Apple Cider Poppy Seed Dressing
  • 1/3 cup 80g plain Greek yogurt (or olive oil mayonnaise)
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or raw honey
  • 2 tbsp raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For Serving
  • Thick artisan sourdough bread or buttery croissants
  • Extra whole toasted pecan halves and fresh apple slices

Method
 

Step-by-Step Cooking Walkthrough
  1. Toast the Pecans: Add pecan pieces to a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until nutty, fragrant, and lightly golden. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
  2. Whisk the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl or mason jar, whisk together Greek yogurt, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, sea salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and emulsified.
  3. Chop Fresh Apples: Core and dice fresh Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized 1/2-inch pieces. Immediately toss in a tablespoon of dressing to keep them bright and prevent oxidation.
  4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large wooden or ceramic bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, sliced celery, and minced red onion.
  5. Dress & Toss: Pour the creamy apple cider poppy seed dressing over the chicken mixture. Using salad spoons, toss gently until every piece is glossy and evenly coated.
  6. Fold in Cheese & Garnish: Gently fold in crumbled feta or goat cheese. Serve immediately mounded over crisp greens, stuffed into buttery croissants, or chilled for meal prep!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 4gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 640IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 1.9mg

Notes

Chef Secret: Lightly toss your diced Honeycrisp apples in a splash of fresh lemon juice or directly into the apple cider dressing immediately after chopping. The natural citric acid prevents browning and keeps the apple cubes exceptionally crisp and juicy even after 3 days of meal prep in the refrigerator!

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