Description
A vibrant and nutritious Fall Harvest Salad featuring roasted sweet potatoes, tender shredded chicken, crisp apples, tangy goat cheese, and a zesty orange vinaigrette. Perfectly balanced with dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds for added texture and sweetness, this salad celebrates the flavors of the autumn season.
Ingredients
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (8 ounces)
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Salad Base:
- 6 cups mixed greens, roughly chopped (180 grams)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken (6 ounces)
- 1 cup diced apple (100 grams)
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds/pepitas (roasted)
- 1/3 cup goat cheese (1.5 ounces)
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup orange vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on the baking sheet. Spread evenly.
3. Roast for 25–35 minutes or until browned and fork-tender. Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
4. While the potatoes roast, combine the orange vinaigrette with a pinch of salt and pepper in a jar or small bowl. Adjust seasoning and set aside.
5. Roughly chop the mixed greens and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces.
6. In a large bowl, combine the chopped greens, shredded chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, diced apples, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to combine.
9. Serve immediately or chill slightly before serving.
Notes
Roast the sweet potatoes just until fork tender to avoid sogginess in the salad.
Use roasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and a nuttier flavor.
Substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese if preferred.
Add a splash of lemon juice to the apples to prevent browning.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick prep option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 45mg