Name: Fall Harvest Salad w/ Pecan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 oz. mixed greens or kale, arugula, spinach, etc.; 1 large sweet potato (470g), finely diced; 1/2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 large honeycrisp apple, finely diced; 2.5 oz. goat cheese (70g); Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders or any cooked chicken tenders; 3 oz. mixed greens; 1 serving pecan crusted chicken tenders, sliced; 1/3 cup sweet potatoes (45g); 1/3 cup diced apples (40g); 2 Tbsp goat cheese (14g); Honey Dijon Dressing (recipe below) or dressing of choice; 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 Tbsp honey; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 21 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with seasonal flavors and offers a delightful harmony of textures, the Fall Harvest Salad w/ Pecan Crusted Chicken is the perfect recipe to dive into. This salad brilliantly combines crispy, sweet roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy and tangy apples, creamy goat cheese, and the irresistible nutty crunch of pecan-crusted chicken tenders over a bed of fresh greens. It’s a vibrant, comforting meal that feels special yet effortless—ideal for cozy dinners or impressing guests with a colorful, satisfying plate.

Fall Harvest Salad w/ Pecan Crusted Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this salad plays an important role in making it both delicious and balanced. From the peppery greens to the tender sweet potatoes and the crispy chicken, each component adds its own personality in taste, texture, or color.

Mixed greens or kale, arugula, spinach, etc.: Provides a fresh, leafy base that offers a pop of color and earthy flavor.
Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders: Adds a nutty crunch and protein-packed heartiness to the salad.
Sweet potato (1 large): Roasted to crispy perfection, giving a subtle sweetness and hearty texture.
Olive oil (½ tablespoon): Helps roast the sweet potatoes to a golden crisp and adds richness.
Honeycrisp apple (1 large): Contributes a crisp, juicy, and sweet-tart bite that elevates every forkful.
Goat cheese (2.5 ounces): Brings creamy tanginess that pairs beautifully with the salad’s sweet and savory elements.
Honey Dijon Dressing (optional): Adds a luscious, slightly sweet and tangy finish that ties all the ingredients together.

How to Make Fall Harvest Salad w/ Pecan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so the sweet potatoes can crisp up perfectly. Dice the sweet potato into small, even cubes to ensure they cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crust. Toss them in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning, then spread them out in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for about 20 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through to get crispy on all sides. These sweet potatoes provide the hearty, caramelized flavor that makes this salad truly special.

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Dijon Dressing

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, mix together the ingredients for the honey mustard dressing in a small bowl or jar. This dressing offers the perfect blend of sweetness and tang, enhancing every bite of the salad. If you prefer, feel free to use your favorite dressing instead—it pairs wonderfully with nearly any vinaigrette, but the honey dijon is a standout here.

Step 3: Assemble the Fall Harvest Salad w/ Pecan Crusted Chicken

Start with a generous bed of mixed greens in your bowl, choosing whatever fresh leafy mix you like best. Slice or warm your pecan-crusted chicken tenders if you want them cozy; their buttery pecan crust shines at any temperature. Top the greens with the sweet potatoes, diced honeycrisp apples for that refreshing crunch, and crumbles of tangy goat cheese. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper to add a subtle spice. Drizzle your dressing over everything and toss gently to combine. For an extra touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey on the chicken is absolutely delicious.

How to Serve Fall Harvest Salad w/ Pecan Crusted Chicken

Garnishes

If you want to elevate the presentation and add another layer of flavor, sprinkle some toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds on top. A few fresh herb leaves like thyme or parsley can add a burst of color and freshness that brighten up the dish beautifully. A touch of lemon zest can also enhance the brightness and make all the ingredients pop.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread for soaking up any leftover dressing and juices. Roasted root vegetables or a bowl of butternut squash soup can complement the fall flavors if you’re serving this as part of a larger meal. For a lighter option, consider a simple grilled vegetable skewer or a side of quinoa salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in rustic wooden bowls or vibrant ceramic plates to highlight the rich autumn colors. You can also build it in mason jars for an on-the-go lunch that looks as good as it tastes. Layer the ingredients starting with dressing, followed by sweet potatoes, apples, goat cheese, greens, and topped with sliced pecan-crusted chicken for a colorful and portable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover components separately if possible—keep the chicken, sweet potatoes, and apples in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mixed greens are best added fresh when you’re ready to eat to avoid wilting. When combined, this salad stays fresh for 1–2 days, but the texture of the apples and greens will be at their best on day one.

Freezing

Because of the fresh greens and apples, this salad isn’t ideal for freezing once assembled. However, you can freeze the pecan-crusted chicken tenders and roasted sweet potatoes separately. Freeze the chicken cooked and wrapped well, and the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet before transferring to a container, which helps preserve texture.

Reheating

Reheat the pecan-crusted chicken and sweet potatoes gently in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pecan crust crunchy. Once warmed, toss everything together with fresh greens and apples, then dress immediately for the best texture and fresh taste.

FAQs

Can I make pecan crusted chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! While using ready-made pecan crusted tenders is convenient, making it yourself is simple—just coat chicken tenders with a mixture of finely chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, and spices, then bake or pan-fry until golden and crispy.

Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?

Yes! Feta or blue cheese work nicely if you want a similar tang and creaminess. For a milder option, crumbled mozzarella or ricotta salata can also be delicious.

Is this salad good for meal prepping?

The components make a great meal prep, just keep the dressing and greens separate until serving to prevent sogginess. Pack the roasted sweet potatoes, pecan crusted chicken, and apples separately and assemble fresh at mealtime.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! Roasting the sweet potatoes in a conventional oven at 425°F on a baking sheet for about 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, yields crispy, caramelized bites perfect for the salad.

How spicy is the honey dijon dressing?

The honey dijon dressing has just a gentle tang from the mustard and sweetness from honey, making it balanced and mild—not spicy at all. It enhances but doesn’t overpower the salad’s fresh flavors.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say the Fall Harvest Salad w/ Pecan Crusted Chicken is a keeper for anyone who loves vibrant, seasonal meals that feel both wholesome and exciting. Each bite delivers a perfect medley of textures and tastes that celebrate the best of autumn’s bounty. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite fall go-to!