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As autumn descends upon us, it heralds a time of harvest and celebration. The vibrant hues of changing leaves and the crispness in the air call for dishes that reflect the season's bounty. One such dish is the Autumn Crunch Harvest Chicken Salad, a delightful combination of flavors and textures that captures the essence of fall. This salad is more than just a meal; it embodies the spirit of the season with its colorful ingredients, making it an ideal choice for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for festive gatherings.

Harvest Chicken Salad with Cranberries

Celebrate the flavors of fall with the Autumn Crunch Harvest Chicken Salad! This delightful dish combines tender rotisserie chicken, crisp seasonal apples, and a blend of mixed greens for a nutritious meal. Packed with nuts, dried cranberries, and your choice of creamy cheese, this salad is a perfect balance of tastes and textures. Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or as a festive side dish. Plus, learn how to make a tangy apple cider vinaigrette to tie it all together!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken

1 1/2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and baby kale)

1 cup diced apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted for extra flavor)

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup apple cider vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by shredding the rotisserie chicken if not already done. Dice the apples into bite-sized pieces, chop the nuts, and finely chop the red onion.

    Gather the Greens: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens. This will serve as the base for your salad.

      Add the Chicken: Layer the shredded chicken evenly over the greens.

        Incorporate Fruits & Nuts: Add the diced apples, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts on top of the chicken.

          Cheese it Up: Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad for a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

            Add Onion: Sprinkle the chopped red onion across the top for an extra crunch and slight bite.

              Dress the Salad: Drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring even coverage. Toss gently to combine all ingredients without bruising the greens.

                Season & Serve: Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper as necessary. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.

                  Optional Side: Pair with whole grain rolls or flatbreads for a complete meal.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings