Harvest Chicken Sweet Potato Salad: Fresh Fall Flavor You’ll Crave
When the air turns crisp and the leaves crunch underfoot, I always crave meals that feel hearty yet refreshing. One autumn afternoon, I tossed together roasted sweet potatoes, juicy chicken, tart apples, and creamy goat cheese into a giant bowl of greens. The aroma of cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes mixing with the tang of apple cider vinaigrette filled my kitchen and reminded me of family harvest dinners. That’s when this Harvest Chicken Sweet Potato Salad became my go-to fall recipe. It’s colorful, satisfying, and a true celebration of the season’s bounty.
This isn’t just a salad it’s a full meal that balances protein, veggies, fruit, and crunch. Whether you serve it for a cozy weeknight dinner or bring it to a holiday potluck, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Harvest Chicken Sweet Potato Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes with oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and tender.
- In a jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, shredded chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette, toss gently to coat, and top with crumbled goat cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
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Table of Contents
Why you’ll love this harvest chicken sweet potato salad
This recipe checks every box for flavor, nutrition, and ease. Here’s why it stands out:
- Balanced & filling – tender chicken and roasted sweet potatoes make it hearty enough for lunch or dinner.
- Seasonal & colorful – apples, cranberries, and pecans bring harvest vibes to the table.
- Make-ahead friendly – you can roast the sweet potatoes and prep the chicken in advance.
- Crowd-pleaser – perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any cozy gathering.
Ingredients for harvest chicken sweet potato salad
Here’s what you’ll need to create this stunning autumn salad:
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution Tips |
| Chicken breast, cooked & shredded | 1 lb | Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep |
| Sweet potatoes, diced | 2 medium | Swap with butternut squash for a twist |
| Avocado or olive oil | 1 tbsp | Any neutral oil works |
| Cinnamon | ½ tsp | Add smoked paprika for a savory touch |
| Salt & pepper | ¼ tsp each | Adjust to taste |
| Mixed greens | 6 cups | Baby spinach or arugula also work |
| Apple, diced | 1 medium | Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are best |
| Dried cranberries | ¼ cup | Try dried cherries for tartness |
| Pecans, chopped | ¼ cup | Walnuts or almonds can be used |
| Goat cheese, crumbled | ¼ cup | Feta or blue cheese are great swaps |
For the vinaigrette:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
How to make harvest chicken sweet potato salad step by step
- Roast the sweet potatoes – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes with oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and tender.
- Prepare the dressing – In a jar or small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the salad – In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, shredded chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, diced apple, dried cranberries, and pecans.
- Dress & finish – Drizzle vinaigrette, toss gently, and top with crumbled goat cheese. Serve immediately.
Picture juicy chicken meeting roasted sweet potatoes, with bursts of crisp apple and creamy cheese in every forkful. It’s irresistible.
How to serve harvest chicken sweet potato salad
- Main dish dinner – pair with crusty bread or a warm bowl of soup for a complete meal.
- Holiday table – it adds freshness alongside heavier dishes at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Meal prep lunch – divide into mason jars with dressing on the side for grab-and-go meals.
- Seasonal twist – in summer, swap apples for peaches and pecans for sunflower seeds.
How to perfect harvest chicken sweet potato salad
- Roast sweet potatoes until caramelized, not just soft, for deep flavor.
- Use a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for balance.
- Toast pecans lightly before adding it boosts crunch and nuttiness.
- Make extra dressing it keeps for a week in the fridge and works on any salad.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overcooking chicken – dry chicken ruins the texture. Use shredded rotisserie or poached chicken.
- Not cooling sweet potatoes – warm potatoes wilt the greens; let them rest before mixing.
- Over-dressing – too much vinaigrette can drown flavors. Start small, add more if needed.
- Skipping seasoning – taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end for best balance.
Storage and reheating instructions
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
| Refrigerator (assembled) | 1 day | Best fresh; store dressing separately |
| Refrigerator (separate) | 3 days | Keep components in airtight containers |
| Freezer | Not recommended | Greens and apples don’t freeze well |
To reheat: Warm the chicken and sweet potatoes separately in a skillet or microwave before tossing with fresh greens.
Frequently asked questions about harvest chicken sweet potato salad
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes — just skip the chicken or replace it with chickpeas or roasted tofu.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh roasted is best for flavor, but canned can work if drained well and lightly sautéed.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely — all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare it ahead for a party?
Yes! Roast the sweet potatoes, prep the chicken, and mix the dressing a day ahead. Assemble just before serving.
What other cheeses work besides goat cheese?
Feta, blue cheese, or even sharp white cheddar all pair beautifully.
Conclusion
This Harvest Chicken Sweet Potato Salad is more than a recipe it’s a seasonal experience. With roasted vegetables, crisp apples, juicy chicken, and maple-kissed vinaigrette, it’s the kind of dish that makes fall dinners unforgettable. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for cozy autumn meals or share it with friends who love seasonal salads.
