Great Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe

The “Great Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe” is a carefully crafted recipe that blends the lean protein of chicken with the crispness of celery.

The sweetness of red grapes, and the crunch of almonds, all dressed in a flavorful blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and optional honey.

This salad is not just a delight to the palate but also a nutritious choice, offering a balance of essential proteins, healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

It’s designed to be both satisfying and healthful, perfect for any meal, and suitable for gatherings. This recipe is a celebration of eating well, emphasizing the joy of cooking with wholesome ingredients for both taste and health benefits.

I will guide you from start to finish in making this salad, don’t worry if you are a newbie. Like me, you can make this salad at home.

What Kind Of Chicken Should I Use For Chicken Salad?

For chicken salad, it’s best to use cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.

Both options provide tender, lean meat that’s easy to shred or chop and absorbs the dressing well. Rotisserie chicken adds a richer flavor due to its seasoning and cooking method.

While chicken breasts can be customized by boiling, grilling, or baking them with your preferred seasonings.

How To Make Great Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe?

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes (if you’re cooking chicken specifically for this recipe)
• Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding time to cool the chicken if applicable)
• Yield: Serves 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 360 calories per serving (depending on the specific ingredients used)

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup diced apple
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced or chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare The Chicken: If you don’t have leftover chicken, cook about 1 lb of chicken breast. You can either boil, grill, or bake the chicken until thoroughly cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Let it cool, then shred or cube it.

Mix The Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey. Whisk together until smooth. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, celery, apple, grapes, almonds, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

Chill And Serve: For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. However, if you’re short on time, it’s still delicious and served immediately.

Garnish And Enjoy: Just before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting if necessary. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an added touch of flavor and freshness.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens, sandwiched between slices of whole-grain bread, or in a wrap for a satisfying meal.

Special Tips

✔ Use Leftover Chicken: Ideal for repurposing leftover roasted or grilled chicken, enhancing the salad’s flavor.

✔ Toast the Almonds: Lightly toasting the almonds in a dry pan brings out their nutty flavor and adds an extra crunch.

✔ Adjust Dressing to Taste: Start with less mayonnaise and gradually add more until you reach the desired creaminess.

✔ Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour melds the flavors together beautifully.

✔ Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients like walnuts for almonds or add dried cranberries for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

✔ Serve Creatively: Beyond the traditional serving methods, consider stuffing the salad in avocado halves or hollowed tomatoes for a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

☑ On Fresh Greens: Serve atop a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a light and healthy meal.

☑ As a Sandwich: Scoop into whole-grain or croissant sandwiches for a filling lunch.

☑ In a Wrap: Roll up in a whole-wheat wrap or lettuce leaf for a low-carb option.

☑ With Crackers: Serve with a side of whole-grain crackers for a crunchy contrast.

☑ Stuffed in Tomatoes or Avocados: Hollow out tomatoes or avocados and fill them for an elegant presentation.

How To Store It?

To store the Great Harvest Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. This salad keeps well for 3-5 days when stored properly.

It’s important to keep it cool to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Avoid leaving the salad out at room temperature for extended periods, as this can lead to bacterial growth.

For the best taste and texture, give the salad a gentle stir before serving if it has been refrigerated for a while.

Freezing is not recommended, as it can significantly alter the texture of the ingredients, especially the creamy dressing and crisp vegetables.

Conclusion

the Great Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite creations, blending simplicity with a burst of flavors and textures that never fail to delight.

Crafting this salad has been a joyous journey, allowing me to explore the harmonious blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, sweet grapes, and crunchy almonds, all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing.

It’s a testament to how wholesome ingredients can create a meal that’s not only satisfying and nutritious but also incredibly versatile.

Whether served on a bed of greens, as a hearty sandwich or as a light wrap, it offers a delightful experience for any occasion.

This recipe not only caters to the taste but also to a healthy lifestyle, making it a perfect addition to any meal plan.

I’m thrilled to have shared this personal favorite with you and hope it becomes a cherished recipe in your collection as well.

If you like this recipe then don’t forget to share it with your friend. Comment and rate to share your salad-making experience.

Enjoy your food!