Harvest Chicken Salad Delight
This delightful Harvest Chicken Salad Delight is a fresh twist on a traditional favorite. Inspired by a beloved recipe from the Southern Living Cooking School, this salad combines tender chopped chicken with sweet red seedless grapes, crunchy celery, and crisp Red Delicious apples for a burst of flavor in every bite. Enhanced by toasted pecans and a creamy honey mustard dressing, this dish is not only perfect for a light lunch but also an ideal accompaniment for picnics, brunches, or light dinners year-round. Each serving is a colorful medley that showcases the rich flavors of autumn—making it a seasonal dish to savor no matter the time of year.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped cooked chicken
3 cups (cooked and chopped)
red seedless grapes
1 cup (chopped)
celery ribs
3 (chopped)
Red Delicious apple
1 medium-size (chopped)
pecan halves
1/2 cup (toasted)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
honey mustard
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
lettuce leaves
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, red seedless grapes, chopped celery, and chopped apple for a refreshing base.
2
Add the toasted pecan halves, mayonnaise, honey mustard, salt, and pepper, then stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4
To serve, arrange fresh lettuce leaves on individual plates and spoon the chilled chicken salad mixture generously onto each leaf.
5
Enjoy your Harvest Chicken Salad Delight as a light and nutritious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Chicken Salad Delight?
It is a fresh twist on traditional chicken salad inspired by the Southern Living Cooking School, featuring grapes, apples, and toasted pecans.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What type of chicken should I use for this salad?
You should use 3 cups of cooked and chopped chicken.
Can I substitute the red seedless grapes?
While red seedless grapes are recommended for color and sweetness, you can use green grapes if preferred.
What kind of apple is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one medium-size Red Delicious apple for its crisp texture and sweetness.
Do the pecans need to be toasted?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of toasted pecan halves to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is a combination of mayonnaise, honey mustard, salt, and pepper.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How is the Harvest Chicken Salad Delight served?
It is traditionally served by spooning the chilled mixture onto fresh lettuce leaves.
Is this recipe suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is described as an ideal accompaniment for picnics, brunches, or light dinners.
What are the main vegetable ingredients?
The primary vegetables are 3 chopped celery ribs and fresh lettuce leaves used for serving.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
The recipe calls for honey mustard to provide a specific sweetness, but you can experiment with others if desired.
Is this a seasonal dish?
It is inspired by autumn flavors but is designed to be enjoyed as a refreshing meal year-round.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of mayonnaise for the dressing base.
Can I make this chicken salad in advance?
Yes, chilling it for at least 30 minutes is recommended, and it can be made a few hours ahead of time.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe includes 10 distinct ingredients.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is categorized with tags like 'healthy recipe' and 'light lunch'.
How much salt and pepper is added?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option for the 3 cups of chopped cooked chicken.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under 'Chicken'.
How do I prepare the celery?
The 3 celery ribs should be finely chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
What is the preparation for the grapes?
The 1 cup of red seedless grapes should be chopped before mixing.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
While it contains mayonnaise, you should check your specific brands for dairy content; mayonnaise is typically made from oil and eggs.
Can I swap pecans for another nut?
Yes, walnuts or slivered almonds would work well if you prefer them over pecans.
What kind of honey mustard should I use?
Any standard prepared honey mustard will work for the 1/4 cup required.
How much honey mustard is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of honey mustard.
Is the chicken salad served warm or cold?
It is served chilled after being refrigerated for at least 30 minutes.
Can I add other fruits like cranberries?
While not in the original recipe, many variations of harvest salads include dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
What is the main flavor profile?
The profile is a balance of savory chicken, sweet fruit, and a creamy, tangy honey mustard dressing.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover chicken salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.