Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken – Eat the Gains

Introduction

A Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken delivers big on both flavor and nutrition. It combines crisp seasonal produce, hearty chicken, and a medley of textures for a dish that’s both satisfying and colorful. This salad provides a perfect transition into cooler months and offers a refreshing crunch alongside savory, roasted notes. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving a crowd, this recipe highlights the best of fall in every bite.

Why Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken Is a Must-Try

What sets this chopped salad apart is the way it balances roasted and fresh ingredients, ensuring every forkful is full of complexity. Ingredients like roasted butternut squash, tart apples, juicy chicken, and toasted nuts make for an unforgettable, nutrient-packed meal. Simply chop, toss, and serve—the easy assembly means it’s ready for busy weeknights, meal preps, or a show-stopping autumn lunch.

Crafting the Perfect Chopped Salad Base

A strong salad begins with a hearty array of ingredients. This recipe combines massaged kale and crisp romaine with seasonal vegetables like roasted squash and sweet apples. The addition of grilled or rotisserie chicken ups the protein content, while dried cranberries and toasted pecans bring plenty of fall flavor. A tangy homemade vinaigrette binds it all together.

Bringing It Together: How to Assemble Your Fall Harvest Salad

For meal-prep efficiency, roast your squash and prep the chicken ahead of time. Dice all your veggies into bite-sized pieces for that classic chopped salad texture. Layer your greens, then pile on the colorful toppings—don’t forget the dressing just before serving. Top with cheese or seeds for added richness and crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Your Fall Harvest Salad

This salad shines on its own as a healthy main, thanks to the filling chicken and fiber-rich ingredients. For a heartier meal, serve alongside whole grain bread or a cup of soup. For gatherings, set out extra toppings—such as goat cheese, pepitas, or roasted chickpeas—so guests can customize their salads to taste.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty entrée-sized salads. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, with plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats from the chicken, nuts, and veggies. It’s a delicious way to pack seasonal nutrition into your day.

Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken (Recap)

Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, this salad combines autumn’s top ingredients with lean protein for a meal that feels festive yet practical. Every bite is a crunchy, satisfying celebration of fall flavors.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate an organized shopping list—all your ingredients are sorted by grocery section, making shopping trips stress-free and meal planning effortless.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss butternut squash with a light spritz of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, until golden and tender. Let cool.
2. While the squash roasts, chop kale and romaine. Massage the kale with a dash of olive oil and a pinch of salt until softened.
3. Dice your apple, chicken, pecans, and prepare any other toppings.
4. Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a mason jar until emulsified.
5. To assemble, combine kale, romaine, roasted squash, apple, chicken, cranberries, pecans, feta (if using), and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl.
6. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss well to coat. Divide among four bowls and serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Chopped Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken is ideal for weekly meal prep—just keep dressing separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your meals, automatically generate smart shopping lists, and streamline busy weeks.

Planning Benefits:

• Combines and calculates total ingredient needs across all your planned meals
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery store section for smoother shopping
• Prevents last-minute runs by remembering every ingredient
• Keeps your weekly meal prep simple and efficient

Pro tip: Schedule your recipes to check which ingredients overlap across your planned meals—it minimizes waste and keeps your fridge organized!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes