Harvest Chicken Salad With Maple Dijon Dressing Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and just a little bit special, this Harvest Chicken Salad With Maple Dijon Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with roasted sweet potatoes, juicy chicken, crisp apples, and toasted nuts all kissed with a creamy, tangy maple Dijon dressing that’ll have you coming back for seconds — trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together in such a satisfying way — the sweet potato adds warmth and earthiness, while the fresh spinach and tart apple give brightness. Plus, the toasted nuts provide that perfect crunch.

• Avocado oil: Great for roasting and cooking chicken because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Sweet potato: Peel and dice into uniform pieces to ensure even roasting and tenderness.
• Red onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth once roasted with the sweet potatoes.
• Salt & black pepper: Keep these simple seasonings handy to bring everything together.
• Chicken breast: Cubed so it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
• Fresh spinach: Use fresh, hearty leaves to avoid wilting too much when tossed with warm ingredients.
• Dried cranberries: Provide little bursts of fruity sweetness throughout the salad.
• Apple: I love a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Gala for that fresh crunch.
• Walnuts or pecans: Toasted for enhanced flavor and crunch.
• Mayonnaise: Helps make the dressing creamy and luscious.
• Pure maple syrup: The star sweetener in the dressing that adds a natural, rich sweetness.
• Dijon mustard: Adds tang and a little bite that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brightens and balances the dressing.

Variations

I love how versatile this Harvest Chicken Salad With Maple Dijon Dressing Recipe is — feel free to play around with fruits, nuts, or greens that you already have. I often tweak it a bit depending on the season or what’s in my fridge.

• Greens: Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a peppery punch. When I tried kale, I massaged it with a bit of oil to soften—it kept the salad hearty without overpowering the dressing.
• Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts or pecans, sliced almonds or even pumpkin seeds work wonderfully.
• Fruit: Pears make a lovely replacement or addition to apples during fall, adding extra sweetness and texture.
• Protein: Try grilled turkey or tofu cubes if you want a non-chicken option — just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How to Make Harvest Chicken Salad With Maple Dijon Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Roast those sweet potatoes and onions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Toss the diced sweet potatoes and red onion with 1 teaspoon of avocado oil, plus salt and pepper, right on a baking sheet. Spread them out in one layer—you don’t want them crowded or they’ll steam instead of roast. Pop them in the oven for about 15-18 minutes, stirring once halfway through for even caramelization. You’ll know they’re done when the sweet potatoes are tender and golden, and the onions have softened and turned slightly sweet. Let them cool briefly before mixing so they don’t wilt the greens too much.

Step 2: Cook the chicken perfectly

While the veggies roast, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining teaspoon of avocado oil. Add the cubed chicken breast in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. If you have a meat thermometer, look for 165°F internal temp to be sure. Transfer to a plate and let it rest—it’ll stay juicy and tender, which really makes a difference in the salad.

Step 3: Whip up the magic maple Dijon dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine mayo, avocado oil, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and creamy. Taste it — the blend of sweet, tangy, and savory should make you smile. Don’t worry if it seems a touch thick; it will drizzle nicely over the salad and cling to the ingredients perfectly.

Step 4: Toss and serve

In a large bowl, toss together the fresh spinach, dried cranberries, diced apple, and toasted nuts. Add the roasted sweet potatoes, onions, and chicken cubes. Drizzle the dressing over everything and gently toss until every bite is coated. I like to toss just enough so the spinach stays a bit crisp and the flavors don’t get muddled. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch, sweetness, and creaminess all at once.

How to Serve Harvest Chicken Salad With Maple Dijon Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top this salad with a little extra chopped toasted nuts and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for that final pop. Sometimes I add a few apple slices on the side just for extra color and sweetness. A few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme also add a nice herbal note that complements the dressing well.

Side Dishes

This salad holds its own pretty well as a main dish, but if you want to serve it with sides I recommend a warm crusty bread or some lightly buttered garlic rolls. For a heartier meal, a simple soup—like butternut squash or roasted tomato—makes a lovely autumn pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this salad in individual mason jars layered with dressing at the bottom and toppings on top, so guests can shake it up themselves. It’s a fun way to keep the greens from wilting and looks really charming at a brunch or picnic. You could also plate it artistically on a platter, garnished with edible flowers or extra apple slices for a beautiful seasonal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the dressing mixed in — it holds up nicely and actually tastes even better after the flavors have had a little time to mingle. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again to refresh the salad.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the fresh greens and dressing don’t hold up well after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, you could freeze the roasted sweet potatoes and cooked chicken separately, then toss fresh ingredients and dressing when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

If you want to warm leftovers, gently reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes in a skillet or microwave before adding to the fresh salad components. Avoid reheating the entire salad together to keep the spinach crisp and fresh tasting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Harvest Chicken Salad With Maple Dijon Dressing Recipe brings together fall’s best flavors in one bowl. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s easy, flavorful, and just feels wholesome without trying too hard. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do—I have a feeling your family will go crazy for it too. So grab your sweet potatoes and let’s get cooking!

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