McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe

Welcome to a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe right to your home kitchen!

This delightful salad is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, combining the wholesome goodness of succulent baked chicken, crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and the rich tang of feta cheese.

As you embark on creating this wholesome masterpiece, you’ll find that the harmony of textures and flavors transforms a simple salad into a culinary symphony.

With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a burst of colors and nutrients, this Harvest Chicken Salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a refreshing weekend lunch.

Follow the easy steps outlined below, and soon you’ll be savoring the crisp freshness, sweetness, and savory goodness of McAlister’s inspired creation, right in the comfort of your own home.

Let’s dive into the joy of preparing and enjoying a wholesome salad that embodies the essence of the season!

How To Make McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe?

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes (for chicken)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 320 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced apples
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic vinaigrette dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the diced apples, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.

Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad ingredients.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad according to your preference. Start with a few tablespoons and adjust to taste.

Toss the salad gently to evenly distribute the dressing and ingredients.

Serve

Once the salad is well-coated with the dressing, portion it onto individual plates or bowls.

Optionally, garnish with additional pecans or feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad!

Customize And Variations

Customizations and Variations for McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad:

✤ Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different protein twist.

✤ Greens Galore: Mix in your favorite greens like kale, arugula, or romaine for a unique flavor profile.

✤ Fruit Fusions: Experiment with different fruits such as pears, grapes, or mandarin oranges for a diverse fruity experience.

✤ Nutty Choices: Switch pecans with almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to add a different nutty crunch.

✤ Cheese Options: Try goat cheese, blue cheese, or mozzarella instead of feta for varied cheesy goodness.

✤ Dressing Diversity: Play with dressings like honey mustard, raspberry vinaigrette, or lemon herb for distinct taste sensations.

✤ Grainy Goodness: Add cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous for an extra layer of texture and nutrition.

✤ Heat It Up: Spice things up by incorporating sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.

Tailor McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad to your taste preferences and dietary needs with these easy customizations!

How To Store It?

To store McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

 If possible, store the dressing separately to maintain the salad’s freshness and prevent it from becoming soggy.

When ready to enjoy, give the salad a gentle toss and add the dressing just before serving to maintain its crispness and flavors. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture of the salad ingredients.

Conclusion

McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that can be easily prepared at home.

With a succulent chicken, crisp apples, and a variety of textures, the salad offers a burst of flavors. The recipe is versatile, allowing for personal customizations with different proteins, greens, fruits, nuts, cheeses, and dressings.

Enjoying this salad not only satisfies the palate but also provides health benefits, delivering essential nutrients, antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber.

Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch, McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad is a wholesome and delicious choice.

Enjoy your food!