Delicious Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe
Looking for an easy and delicious chicken salad recipe? Look no further than my Great Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe! This recipe is perfect for those who love savory chicken mixed with sweet and crunchy toppings. Not to mention, it’s incredibly versatile – serve it as a refreshing salad or stack it between two slices of harvest bread for a hearty sandwich. Trust me, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests asking for more!
But what makes this chicken salad so great? It all starts with the meat. I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts that are seasoned with black pepper, paprika, and tarragon for added flavor. Then, toss in some celery for crunch and golden raisins for a touch of sweetness. Add some spicy pecans if you like a bit of heat, and mix it all together with seasoned mayonnaise. You’ll end up with a delectable combination that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Plus, you can easily make adjustments or substitutions to cater to your personal preferences or dietary restrictions, such as using whole30-approved mayo or gluten-free bread options. Whether you’re having a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a healthy lunch option during the work week, this Great Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe is the answer to all your mealtime needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of bland and boring chicken salads? Look no further than the Great Harvest Chicken Salad recipe! With its unique blend of savory and sweet flavors, this meaty salad is sure to delight your taste buds.
What sets this recipe apart is its use of the Great Harvest Bread Company’s famous Harvest Bread. This freshly baked bread is hearty and full of flavor, serving as the perfect base for this dish. It pairs perfectly with the juicy chunks of white and dark meat chicken seasoned with black pepper, paprika, tarragon, brown sugar, and dried parsley.
But what really sets this chicken salad apart are the add-ins. The spicy pecans provide a satisfying crunch, while the golden raisins add a touch of sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory chicken. These ingredients elevate this chicken salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
And if that’s not enough, this recipe also offers plenty of room for customization. Don’t like spicy pecans? Leave them out! Not a fan of golden raisins? Swap them for dried cranberries or diced apple. The possibilities are endless!
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s flavorful, customizable, and downright delicious. Whip up a batch for your next picnic or lunch date – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Before we start preparing the Great Harvest Chicken Salad, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. This superb recipe is filled with amazing flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The salad is loaded with delightful seasoned chicken, a bit of crunch from celery and spicy pecans, and a touch of sweetness from golden raisins. The creamy and tangy dressing ties everything together beautifully, making this dish an excellent choice for any occasion.
Below is what you’ll need to make this perfect chicken salad recipe:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp tarragon
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup spicy pecans (or equivalent nuts)
- Optional: mixed greens or lettuce for serving on sandwiches or as a side dish.
All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store or farmers’ market. When available, always purchase the freshest ingredients possible for the best homemade chicken salad experience!
The Recipe How-To
Step One: Prepare the Chicken
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Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
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First, it’s important to trim any unnecessary fat and cut into 3 or 4 large pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp tarragon.
- Heat your grill over medium heat and cook until golden brown on each side for about 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before chopping into small bite-sized chunks.
Step Two: Make the Seasoned Mayo
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Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, juice of half a lemon
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In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, dried parsley, brown sugar, and lemon juice until well blended.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference by adding more salt or black pepper if needed.
Step Three: Mix Your Toppings
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Ingredients: 1 cup chopped celery, ½ cup golden raisins, ¾ cup spicy pecans
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Add the chopped celery to a large mixing bowl.
- Followed by adding ½ cup golden raisins and ¾ cup spicy pecans (chopped), mix well.
Step Four: Assemble Your Salad
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Ingredients: Chopped cooked chicken from step one, seasoned mayo from step two, mixed toppings from step three
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Combine all the salad ingredients by gently tossing together in a mixing bowl.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Time to dig in! This Great Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe can make great lunch sandwiches with your favorite bread—Harvest bread company or Dakota bread are some of my favorites! You can also serve it over mixed greens as an entree salad or pair it with a Yardbird Salad which features romaine lettuce and avocado goddess dressing. It’s one of those salads that you keep going back for more and will complement any grilled chicken or sweet potato side dish!
I hope you enjoy my recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
The Great Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations that you may want to consider:
– Meat: You can use any type of meat in place of chicken, such as turkey, ham, or beef. You can also use grilled or roasted chicken instead of poached.
– Mayo: If you prefer a healthier version, you can opt for light or reduced-fat mayonnaise. You can also use Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of mayonnaise.
– Herbs: Tarragon is the main herb used in the recipe, but you can substitute it with other fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill. You can also use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones on hand.
– Spices: Paprika and black pepper give this chicken salad recipe a bold and smoky flavor. However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of spices or omit them altogether.
– Nuts and Fruits: Golden raisins and spicy pecans add a delightful crunch to the salad. However, you can use any type of nuts and fruits that suit your taste buds. Cranberries, almonds, apples or grapes are great options!
– Bread: The Great Harvest Chicken Salad goes well with any type of bread, but pairing it with Great Harvest bread elevates the flavor even more! Consider using Dakota Bread or Bread Co Goldsboro.
With these substitutions and variations, you can make this chicken salad recipe uniquely yours!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’re done preparing this fantastic Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe, you can serve it in multiple ways. One way is to simply grab a fork and dig in by yourself! This recipe is so flavorful and full of texture that it makes for an ideal meal on its own. Simply lay down a bed of mixed greens on a plate, spoon in some chilled chicken salad on top, and feel the explosion of flavors!
If you’re hosting a party or serving guests, you can consider serving this salad in other forms too. For instance, you can take some fresh Great Harvest Bread slices and create gourmet-looking sandwiches with the chilled chicken salad filling. This sandwich variation is perfect for potlucks, casual social gatherings, or even picnics.
You can also try these unique pairing ideas to serve along with your “Harvest Chicken Salad.” For one, try adding a side of crisp veggies like celery sticks or carrot rounds that make for healthy munchies. If you have family members who prefer dishes with heat or spice, consider making a spicy pecan chili side dish.
Since this is a generously-tossed salad loaded with chunks of white and dark meat chicken seasoned with paprika, tarragon and black pepper – it pairs well with both red and white wines. Consider serving Cabernet Sauvignon or even a Sauvignon Blanc alongside this hearty salad recipe. For non-alcoholic beverages, try serving unsweetened iced tea or lemonade.
The bottom line? Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a broader menu spread – this Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe is an incredibly versatile dish that will undoubtedly impress friends and family!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the age-old dilemma of making a salad ahead of time: Will it still be good when it’s time to chow down? Fear not, dear reader, for I have some tips and tricks for making the best Great Harvest Chicken Salad ahead of time, as well as how to store leftovers and reheat them without sacrificing taste.
If you’re planning on making this dish ahead of time, I suggest grilling or baking the chicken breasts and seasoning them with tarragon, paprika, dried parsley, and black pepper. You can then refrigerate the chicken and chop it up when you’re ready to make the salad.
When mixing in the mayo and other ingredients like celery or golden raisins, avoid adding too much dressing right away so that the ingredients don’t get soggy. Instead, I recommend storing a container of seasoned mayo and a container of the chopped salad ingredients separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble!
When it comes to storing leftovers, I recommend keeping any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is also a great way to prep your lunch for the week if you’re on a tight schedule!
And finally, if you find yourself wanting to reheat any refrigerated chicken salad or grilled chicken, be sure to do so gently either by putting it in a warm skillet or microwaving it in a microwave-safe dish with a damp paper towel over it. It’s important to reheat slowly so the meat stays tender and juicy.
By following these recommendations and taking your time reheating your meal back to its original glory, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious Great Harvest Chicken Salad again and again!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing chicken salad may seem like a simple task, but there are a few tips that can make all the difference when it comes to perfecting this dish. Here are some of my favorite tips for ensuring the best results when making Great Harvest Chicken Salad.
Firstly, when cooking the chicken breasts for this recipe, it is important to not overcook them. Overcooked chicken can result in a dry and tough texture, which ultimately leads to an unpleasant chicken salad. To ensure that your chicken remains perfectly tender and juicy, I recommend cooking them just until they are no longer pink in the middle.
Next, don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of seasoning when preparing the chicken. In particular, paprika and tarragon add a delicious depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients in this recipe beautifully. Along with black pepper and dried parsley, these seasonings help create the perfect savory balance for great tasting harvest chicken salad.
When it comes to combining the ingredients, it is important to not over-mix or over-stir the chicken salad. Overworking the ingredients can result in an unappetizing texture and a loss of individual flavors. Instead, gently mix everything together until just combined for a delectable texture.
Additionally, don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and substitutions! While traditional ingredients such as golden raisins and spicy pecans add a nice crunch and sweetness to the mix, you could swap these out for other types of nuts or dried fruit if you prefer. Try adding some blue cheese crumbles into the mix or try incorporating cranberries into this recipe for a unique twist on traditional harvest chicken salad.
Finally, consider serving your Great Harvest Chicken Salad on toasted slices of Great Harvest bread or over mixed greens for a fresh and filling meal. With these tips in mind, you are sure to end up with a flavorful Great Harvest Chicken Salad that your guests will keep coming back for time and time again!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for an easy to prepare, delicious and wholesome salad recipe that will steal your guests’ hearts, look no further than the Great Harvest Chicken Salad. With its bold mix of spices, fresh veggies and tender chicken chunks, it is bound to delight your palate, no matter the occasion or time of day.
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; it is perfectly customizable to suit your taste buds and dietary needs. Feel free to substitute ingredients or adjust seasoning as necessary. And if you have leftovers, don’t hesitate to store them in the fridge for later use.
With this recipe at hand, you’ll never run out of ideas for making mouth-watering salads that will impress everyone around the table. So why not head over to your kitchen right now and give this Great Harvest Chicken Salad a try? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it!
Great Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped fine
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried onion
- 1/2 brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon tarragon
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- season chicken with salt and pepper and bake until cooked.
- cool and chop finely.
- mix everything together and chill.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!