Autumn Harvest Chicken Salad (Easy, Protein-Packed & Fall-Inspired)

September is that funny in-between season. Technically it’s fall, but let’s be real - it’s still hot as heck outside. I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to crank up the oven just yet. Still, my taste buds are craving all the cozy fall flavors.

That’s where this Autumn Harvest Chicken Salad comes in. 🍎
It’s light, refreshing, and served cold (so you won’t melt in the kitchen), but it sneaks in those cozy notes of apple, cranberry, cinnamon, and pecans that scream hello, fall!

It’s also quick - just 10 minutes to throw together - and packed with protein, which means it works just as well for busy weeknight dinners as it does for meal-prep lunches.

🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie makes it easy!)

• 1 large crisp apple, diced

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• 2 stalks celery, diced

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

2. Add shredded chicken, apple, cranberries, nuts, celery, and green onions. Toss until everything is coated.

3. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!).

4. Serve over greens, tucked into lettuce wraps, or even stuffed inside a whole-grain pita.

⚡ Macros (per serving)

• Calories: ~260

• Protein: ~27g

• Carbs: ~18g

• Fat: ~9g

Why You’ll Love It

✔️ Fall flavor vibes without heating up the oven
✔️ Protein-packed to keep you energized
✔️ Kid-friendly (apples + cranberries = sweet win!)
✔️ Perfect for meal prep - keeps up to 3 days in the fridge

So the next time you’re craving pumpkin spice vibes but still sweating in your shorts, whip up a batch of this salad. It’s the perfect way to slide into fall without leaving summer behind.