Name: Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken: Cozy Autumn Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Sweet Potatoes (Roasted; can substitute with butternut squash); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with avocado oil); 4 cups Mixed Greens (Spinach or arugula can work); 2 cups Shredded Chicken (Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver); 1 cup Diced Apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji apples; can substitute with pears); 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (Can substitute with raisins or chopped dried cherries); 1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) (Can substitute with nuts); 1/2 cup Goat Cheese (Can substitute with feta); 1/4 cup Orange Juice (Fresh juice is best); 2 tablespoons Tahini (Can substitute with yogurt); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Adjust to taste); 1-2 tablespoons Optional Sweetener (Honey or maple syrup)

As I tossed the ingredients together for my latest dish, the vibrant colors of the season came alive in my kitchen. This Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty, featuring roasted sweet potatoes, tender chicken, crisp apples, and creamy goat cheese. With its quick prep time of just 10 minutes and hearty protein content, this wholesome salad is perfect for those busy weekdays or cozy evenings when you crave something nutritious yet satisfying. Imagine sitting down to a bowl filled with a delightful mix of flavors and textures, complemented by a tangy cinnamon tahini orange vinaigrette that ties it all together. Are you ready to bring the taste of fall to your table?

Why Will You Love This Salad?

Easy to Prepare: This Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken can be whipped up in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays when time is of the essence.

Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also fuels your body with goodness.

Seasonal Flavors: Embrace autumn with roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and creamy goat cheese, harmonizing into a delightful celebration of fall flavors.

Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it with various substitutes like quinoa or different fruits, making it adaptable for any palate.

Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it as a main dish or as part of a potluck spread; it’s guaranteed to impress family and friends, especially alongside options like Mexican Corn Salad.

Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store them separately for quick assembly, making lunchtime or dinner simple and delicious!

Chopped Fall Harvest Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
• Sweet Potatoes – Roasted for a natural sweetness and heartiness; you can substitute with butternut squash for a different twist.
• Olive Oil – Used for coating the sweet potatoes before roasting; consider avocado oil as a flavorful alternative.
• Mixed Greens – This leafy base adds freshness; spinach or arugula can work beautifully instead.
• Shredded Chicken – Provides high protein for a satisfying meal; rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saver!
• Diced Apples – Crisp and sweet, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples brighten the salad; feel free to swap in pears for variety.
• Dried Cranberries – Offer a delightful tartness; raisins or chopped dried cherries can provide a sweet alternative.
• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) – These add a satisfying crunch; substitute with your favorite nuts if you prefer.
• Goat Cheese – The creamy element that brings flavor; feta can be an excellent substitutive option.

For the Vinaigrette
• Orange Juice – Provides the primary flavor for the dressing; fresh juice is always best for vibrant taste.
• Tahini – Adds creaminess and a nutty dimension; substitute with yogurt if you want a lighter version.
• Cinnamon – Brings warmth and spice that complements the salad’s ingredients; adjust to your taste preference.
• Optional Sweetener – Honey or maple syrup can be added for extra sweetness; adjust based on preference.

Tailor each ingredient choice to suit your tastes, and let this Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken become a cherished part of your autumn table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken

Step 1: Roast Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25–35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden, tender, and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Prepare Dressing
As the sweet potatoes roast, gather a jar or bowl, and combine orange juice, tahini, cinnamon, and any optional sweetener you desire. Whisk or shake the mixture vigorously until it is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity based on your preference. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the other salad components.

Step 3: Chop & Prepare Salad Ingredients
Next, take your mixed greens and roughly chop them to create bite-sized pieces. Dice the apples into small chunks, making sure to keep their skins on for added texture and nutrients. If you haven’t done so already, shred the cooked chicken to make it easy to mix into your Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken later.

Step 4: Assemble Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped mixed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, diced apples, crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Dress Salad
Finally, pour the prepared orange vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure that the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors of your Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken, or refrigerate for a short time if preparing in advance.

Expert Tips for Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken

Timing is Key: Avoid adding the vinaigrette too early to keep the salad crisp. Unlike other salads, this Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken shines when served fresh.
Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: While roasting, look for sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. Cut evenly for consistent cooking and delicious caramelization.
Customize Your Greens: Feel free to experiment with greens! Baby kale or mixed baby greens add delightful texture, but always ensure they are fresh for the best taste.
Layer Flavors: For a more complex taste, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dressing. These simple additions elevate the overall flavor profile.
Go Heavy on Seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning your ingredients. Use salt and pepper generously at each stage to enhance the natural flavors of every component in your salad.
Mix and Match: This salad is flexible! While this Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken has great foundational ingredients, feel free to add toasted nuts for an extra crunch or swap in seasonal fruits for variety.

What to Serve with Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken

As the vibrant colors of autumn grace your table, the delightful pairing options enhance the experience of this wholesome salad.

Warm Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up the vinaigrette, a fresh loaf complements the salad’s texture and warmth.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the salad, adding crunch and a deeper layer of flavor.
Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty side provides additional protein and fiber, creating a heartier meal for satisfying hunger post-salad.
Apple Cider Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of glazed carrots echoes the apples in your salad, allowing for a harmonious flavor profile.
Herbed Yogurt Dip: A cooling and tangy dip offers a delightful contrast to the sweet and savory elements of the salad.
Sparkling Water with Lime: Refreshing and light, this beverage enhances your meal while allowing the salad’s flavors to shine.
Pumpkin Pie: Finish your meal with this seasonal dessert to embrace the fall theme, bringing just the right amount of sweetness to the table.

How to Store and Freeze Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken

Fridge: Store any leftover Chopped Fall Harvest Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep components like vinaigrette and crunchy toppings separate until you’re ready to serve for best texture.

Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing this salad, as the ingredients like greens and apples won’t maintain their texture upon thawing.

Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare individual components like roasted sweet potatoes and shredded chicken ahead of time, storing each in separate containers. This way, you can assemble your salad fresh whenever hunger strikes!

Reheating: If you’ve made extras of the sweet potatoes and chicken, they can be reheated in a microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm. Just remember to avoid reheating the greens and vinaigrette to keep your salad vibrant and fresh.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing the Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken ahead of time is a fantastic way to streamline your meal planning and save time on busy days! You can roast the sweet potatoes and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The dressing can also be prepped and kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; just give it a good shake before using to re-emulsify. Conversely, keep the salad components—mixed greens, diced apples, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds—separately stored in the fridge to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the components, add the roasted sweet potatoes, pour over the dressing, and toss gently for a delightful, wholesome meal!

Chopped Fall Harvest Salad Variations

Feel free to mix it up and make this salad your own, enhancing those lovely autumn flavors!

Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, including the vinaigrette, are certified gluten-free to enjoy without worry.
Dairy-Free: Replace goat cheese with avocado slices for a creamy texture minus the dairy; a delicious twist!
Add Quinoa or Farro: For an extra boost of fiber and heartiness, fold in cooked quinoa or farro; they’ll soak up the flavors beautifully.
Fruity Alternatives: Switch out the apples for seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds, adding a unique burst of flavor and color.
Nuts for Crunch: Toss in some toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for an additional layer of crunch and richness.
Spicy Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for those who crave a little spice; it will elevate the flavors beautifully.
Brussels Sprouts Fun: Incorporate roasted Brussels sprouts for added crunch and a lovely seasonal flavor; they complement the sweetness of the salad perfectly.
Extra Greens: Mix in some arugula or kale for an extra dose of nutritional goodness—these greens add a peppery kick that’s delightful alongside the sweetness.

Embrace the versatility of this salad, and consider pairing it with options like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a complete meal!

Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken Recipe FAQs

Which sweet potatoes are best for this salad?
Absolutely! When selecting sweet potatoes, choose those that are firm, smooth, and free of blemishes. Look for medium-sized ones, as they are often sweeter and have a better flavor. Roasting them until they are slightly caramelized enhances their sweetness, creating a delicious contrast with the other fresh ingredients.

How should I store leftover salad?
You can store any leftover Chopped Fall Harvest Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, to maintain the salad’s texture and freshness, I’d recommend keeping the vinaigrette and crunchy toppings like pumpkin seeds separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again. This will prevent sogginess and keep everything crisp!

Can I freeze this salad?
It’s best to avoid freezing this salad. Ingredients like mixed greens and apples don’t hold up well when frozen and can lose their texture and crunch upon thawing. However, you can freeze individual components like roasted sweet potatoes and cooked chicken in separate containers for up to 3 months. Just reheat them gently before assembling your salad fresh.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Very! This Chopped Fall Harvest Salad is quite adaptable. If you or a loved one has dietary restrictions, you can easily swap the goat cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether. For gluten-free needs, double-check that any packaged ingredients like tahini or dried cranberries are certified gluten-free. The salad is naturally high in protein, making it suitable for various diets.

How can I prepare this salad in advance?
To make meal prep easy, consider assembling the components separately ahead of time. Roast the sweet potatoes and shred the chicken, then store them in airtight containers. Chop the apples and mixed greens, keeping them in separate containers as well. When it’s time to eat, simply combine everything in a bowl, add your desired dressing, and enjoy your fresh Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken!