How to Make McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe at Home

McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe is one of my favorites. It’s a perfect blend of flavors, with tender chicken, sweet apples, and crunchy nuts. I’ve made this salad numerous times, and it’s a hit each time. I’ll share the recipe and guide you through each step in this post. If you’re craving something fresh and comforting, the McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe is precisely what you need. It’s simple, delicious, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make it at home!

Ingredients for the McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe

• 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

• 1 cup red grapes (halved)

• 1/2 cup diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Fuji)

• 1/4 cup chopped celery

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe

1. Cook the Chicken: Begin by cooking the chicken. You can boil, grill, or roast it. Once fully cooked, chop it into small pieces or shred it with two forks.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate clean bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey. Stir well until smooth and creamy. This dressing gives the salad a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

3. Combine the Chicken and Dressing: Add the cooked chicken to the bowl with the dressing. Stir to coat the cooked chicken evenly with the creamy mixture.

4. Add Fresh Ingredients: Now, toss the halved grapes, diced apples, and chopped celery. These fresh ingredients provide a crisp texture and a burst of sweetness.

5. Add Nuts for Crunch: Add the chopped walnuts or pecans. The nuts give the salad a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor.

6. Season the Salad: Add salt and fresh pepper to taste. Stir again to ensure the entire seasoning is evenly distributed.

7. Chill the Salad: Let the fresh salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors combine and makes the salad nice and cool.

8. Serve: Once chilled, scoop the salad into bowls. It’s best served cold and can be enjoyed alone or with crackers or fresh bread.

9. Enjoy: Take a moment to savor each bite of the McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe. The sweet apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy nuts create a perfect balance of flavors.

10. Store Leftovers: If you have any fresh leftovers, store them in an airtight, clean container in the fridge. The salad can be kept for up to 3 days.

Serving and Enjoying

When it’s time to serve the McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe, ladle it into bowls. This salad is undoubtedly refreshing and flavorful, perfect for a quick lunch or a savory light dinner. The crunchy apples and nuts pair beautifully with the tender chicken, satisfying every bite. Enjoy it alone, or serve it with crackers or a fresh toasted bread for a more filling meal. The McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe is a treat for your taste buds and stomach.

Here are some Chef’s Tips for making the McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe even more delicious

1. Use Fresh, Crisp Apples: Choose crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji. They add a fresh, crunchy texture to the salad and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the grapes.

2. Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor: Grill the chicken instead of boiling or roasting it for an added smoky flavor. This effortless step will enhance the overall taste of the salad.

3. Chill Before Serving: After mixing the ingredients, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors blend, making the salad even more delicious.

4. Toast the Nuts: Toast the walnuts or pecans lightly before adding them to the salad. This enhances their flavor and gives them an extra crunch that complements the creamy dressing.

5. Balance the Sweetness: The honey and apples add sweetness to the salad. If you prefer a more balanced flavor, adjust the amount of honey and mustard in the dressing to suit your taste.

6. Add a Touch of Lemon: Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the salad just before serving can brighten the attractive flavors and add a refreshing zing.

7. Use High-Quality Mayonnaise: The quality of mayonnaise impacts the overall flavor. Opt for a creamy, full-fat mayo or a lighter version for the best taste.

8. Customize the Salad: Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can add more ingredients like dried cranberries, grapes of different colors, or even shredded carrots for added texture and flavor.

9. Make Ahead for Better Flavor: The McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe can be made and stored in the fridge. The flavors of the recipe meld together beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

10. Serve in a Fun Way: For a fun twist, serve the salad in lettuce cups or on a bed of mixed greens for added freshness and presentation.

Here is an approximate nutrition breakdown for the McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe based on standard ingredients and serving sizes (4 servings)

McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe – Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal

• Protein: 25-30g

• Fat: 20-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4g

• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
  • Fiber: 3-4g

• Sugars: 12-15g (from grapes and apples)

• Sodium: 300-400mg

• Cholesterol: 50-60mg

• Vitamin A: 6-8% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Vitamin C: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Calcium: 2-4% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Iron: 4-6% of the Daily Value (DV)

Notes:

• Protein: The chicken provides significant protein, making this salad a good option for a healthy, filling meal.

• Healthy Fats: The walnuts or pecans provide healthy fats that support heart health and add crunch to the dish.

• Fruits and Fiber: The apples and grapes contribute natural sugars and fiber, making the salad slightly sweet and full of essential nutrients.

• Adjusting Calories: To reduce the calorie count, you can opt for lighter mayo or Greek yogurt and use fewer nuts.

You can enter the exact quantities and brands of ingredients into a nutrition calculator for a more accurate calculation.

Here are some related recipe names that complement the McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe or offer similar flavors

1. Autumn Chicken Salad with Apples and Walnuts

2. Crispy Chicken and Apple Salad

3. Grilled Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

4. Chicken Waldorf Salad

5. Chicken and Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

6. Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

7. Harvest Chicken and Quinoa Salad

8. Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds

9. Cobb Salad with Chicken and Avocado

10. Maple Dijon Chicken Salad

These recipes feature similar ingredients, such as chicken, fruits, and nuts, and share a similar sweet-savory profile, making them great alternatives or pairings for McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe.

FAQ for the McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe

Conclusion

The McAlister’s Harvest Chicken Salad Recipe is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish everyone will love. Combining fresh chicken, fruits, and nuts perfectly balances textures and flavors. Whether you’re making a chicken recipe for lunch or dinner, this chicken salad will quickly become a favorite. Try this delicious Chicken salad recipe today and enjoy a refreshing, hearty, flavorful meal!