Crunchy Autumn Chicken Salad Recipe

Crunchy Autumn Chicken Salad Recipe

Crunchy Autumn Chicken Salad is a seasonal delight that combines roasted chicken with crisp fall fruits, nuts, and a tangy dressing. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy, making it a refreshing and hearty dish for any autumn meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; roasted or grilled)
• 1 large apple (chopped; a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup celery (chopped)
• ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (chopped)
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (optional, for extra crunch)
• 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix)

Dressing:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken:

• If using pre-cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If you need to cook the chicken, roast or grill it and allow it to cool before adding to the salad.

2. Prep Vegetables and Fruits:

• Chop the apple into small cubes, slice the celery, and thinly slice the red onion. For a burst of color and texture, leave the apple skin on.

3. Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, apple, dried cranberries, celery, red onion, toasted nuts, and pumpkin seeds (if using).

5. Toss with Dressing:

• Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.

6. Serve:

• Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or on its own. Optionally, garnish with extra nuts or a sprinkle of seeds for additional crunch.

Tips:

• Variations: Add blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist, or use pears instead of apples for a different flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

This Crunchy Autumn Chicken Salad is perfect for fall picnics, lunches, or a light dinner, capturing the essence of the season with its blend of fresh fruits, nuts, and hearty chicken!