Fall Harvest Chicken Salad

This Fall Harvest Chicken Salad is satisfying, creamy and flavorful. Packed with delicious textures and flavors, it makes the perfect lunch, dinner or meal prep. Shredded chicken comes together with sweet apples, raisins, crisp celery, red onion and crunchy pecans to make the ultimate autumn dish. Eat it on a sandwich, dip crackers in it or serve it on lettuce boats. The options are endless! I am a huge chicken salad lover and this chicken salad is super adaptable for many different allergies and dietary restrictions. This Fall Harvest Chicken Salad is gluten free and dairy free, but can also be made egg free or nut free! It is truly a fall staple in our house!

If you love chicken salad, be sure to try my Street Corn Chicken Salad, BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad and Hummus Chicken Salad!

Why You'll Love This Chicken Salad

It is packed with fall flavors and textures!

This Fall Harvest Chicken Salad is so easy to throw together.

It is so flavorful and delicious!

This chicken salad is gluten free, dairy free, allergy-friendly and adaptable.

This dish is packed with protein and makes a great lunch or meal prep.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken breast: The base of this chicken salad is shredded chicken. I have found that boiling chicken helps to keep it juicy and not dry! You can also use a rotisserie chicken for a short cut.

Pecans: Pecans give this chicken salad a delicious crunch! You can also use roasted pecans.

Apple: I love using honey crisp apple in this recipe.

Celery: Chopped celery adds a crispy element to this chicken salad.

Raisins: I used raisins in this recipe to add some sweetness and texture. You can also use dried cranberries.

Red onion: Red onion adds flavor and texture to this recipe!

Coconut yogurt: This helps add to the sweet and savoriness of the recipe!

Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is used to make this recipe creamy. You can use vegan mayonnaise if you need to!

Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice gives this recipe a nice brightness!

Spices: I used dill, garlic and salt in this recipe for added flavor!

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients.

Step 2: Chop your vegetables and pecans.

Step 3: Add all ingredients to a bowl and combine. Serve and enjoy!

Storage

Store this Fall Harvest Chicken salad in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. I really like these containers for chicken salad. They are glass, non-toxic and so cute!

Variations

Here are some fun ways to mix up this Fall Harvest Chicken Salad:

• Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!
• Plant-Based: To make a plant-based version, try using chickpeas instead of chicken.
• Fruit: Try adding or swapping in other fruits like grapes, pears or dried cranberries.
• Nut Free: To make this nut free, remove the pecans and add in pumpkin seeds.
• Dressing: Try using only coconut yogurt or only mayonnaise. You can also add in mustard, maple syrup or honey for different flavor variations.

How To Serve

Here's how to serve this Fall Harvest Chicken Salad:

• As a delicious meal prep on a sandwich or lettuce boat or with crackers.
• For lunch or dinner!
• On apple slices for a fun snack.
• As part of a protein-focused snack plate!
• Stuffed in avocados for added healthy fats and a fun presentation.
• As part of a bagel spread for brunch!

Recipe FAQ

What is the best way to cook chicken for chicken salad?

I prefer to boil my chicken for chicken salad because the chicken is juicier!

Can you make this recipe egg free?

Yes, use vegan mayonnaise or only coconut yogurt to make this recipe egg free!

Can you make this recipe lower histamine?

To make this recipe lower histamine, skip the dried fruit and use coconut cream instead of mayonnaise and yogurt.

Can you make this recipe nut free?

Skip the pecans to make this recipe nut free and sub with pumpkin seeds!

Do you have to use mayonnaise in chicken salad?

No! You can also use coconut yogurt, an olive oil-based dressing or hummus!

Related Recipes

Be sure to try these delicious meal prep ideas next:

Ground Beef Lettuce Cups

Meat Broth

Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole

Mason Jar Taco Salad

Dairy Free Egg Bites

If you make this Fall Harvest Chicken Salad and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.