Harvest Chicken Salad with Apples & Grapes

Embrace autumn’s bounty with this Harvest Chicken Salad—a hearty, protein-packed dish brimming with crisp apples, juicy grapes, celery, and toasted pecans, all coated in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for nutritious lunches, back-to-school meals, or light holiday sides, this salad delivers crunch, flavor, and a dash of seasonal flair in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless prep — easy to make ahead and keeps well for days

• Balanced nutrition — lean protein, fiber-rich fruit, and healthy fats

• Textural delight — creamy, crisp, chewy, nutty contrast in every spoonful

• Flexible layers — serve on greens, bread, or enjoy solo as a snack

• Fall-forward flavor — apples, grapes, pecans, and cozy dressing make it perfect for autumn

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salad Components

• 3 cups cooked chicken (cubed or shredded)

• 1 large apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), diced or thinly sliced

• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (red, green, or a mix)

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• ½ cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

• Optional: chopped dried cranberries, green onions, or sliced almonds

Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for dairy-free)

• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise (optional for richer texture)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon maple syrup or honey (to taste)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional warm spice: pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the base ingredients
   Cook or roast your chicken ahead, then cool and cube or shred it. Dice the apple and halve the grapes. Finely chop celery. Roughly chop pecans after toasting (see next step).

2. Toast the pecans (optional but recommended)
   In a dry skillet on medium heat, toast pecans for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and slightly golden. Cool, then chop.

3. Mix the dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sweetener, salt, and pepper. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the salad
   In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, apple, grapes, celery, and pecans. Pour in the dressing and stir until everything is evenly coated.

5. Chill or serve
   For best flavor, refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld. This salad stores well up to 4 days in the fridge (keep dressing and mix-ins separately if you prefer maximum crunch).

Tips & Customizations

• Cut apples fresh to maintain crispness—or keep slices in cold water with a splash of lemon to prevent browning.

• Protein upgrades: Add chickpeas, white beans, or cooked quinoa for extra protein or texture.

• Nut-free version: Replace pecans with seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) or air-roasted chickpeas.

• Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based yogurt and omit mayo—or swap with vegan mayo for creaminess.

• Flavor variations: Add curry powder or chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for a twist.

• Serving ideas: Scoop onto whole-grain bread or wraps, layer on mixed greens with avocado, or enjoy with crackers.

Seasonal Serving Suggestions

• Pair with butternut squash soup or pumpkin soup for a hearty fall bowl

• Serve alongside sweet potato casserole, green bean bake, or quinoa stuffing at holiday meals

• Make sandwich sliders for festive gatherings or party platters

• Portion into meal-prep containers for grab-and-go office lunches

FAQ — Your Questions Answered

How do I store leftovers to keep textures fresh?
Store salad in airtight container for up to 4 days. If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate—toss before serving to preserve apple and pecan crunch.

Can I use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey?
Absolutely! Rotisserie, baked chicken breasts, or holiday turkey all work wonderfully.

How can I reduce sugar?
Use unsweetened yogurt, skip honey, and choose apples that are tart rather than sweet for naturally lower sugar content.

Is this salad gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes—use plain yogurt (or dairy-free alternative) and ensure mustard and mayo are gluten-free certified.

Can I swap grapes for other fruit?
Yes! Pomegranate arils, sliced strawberries, or chopped pears make excellent substitutions.

Nutritional Highlights (approximate per serving)

• Protein: ~25g from chicken and Greek yogurt

• Fiber & Vitamins: From apples, celery, grapes, and pecans

• Healthy Fats: From pecans

• Lower in refined sugar: Naturally sweetened by fruit and optional honey/maple syrup

• Balanced macros: Ideal for meal prep or light, nutritious meals

Final Thoughts

The Harvest Chicken Salad with Apples & Grapes is a celebration of autumn flavors—its mix of crisp, sweet, savory, and nutty elements make every lunch or side dish feel festive. Whether you’re hosting holiday gatherings, prepping weekday lunches, or building a seasonal menu, this salad is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that stands out.