Delicious Fall Harvest Salad with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Published: November 15, 2025

by Hannah Reed

Why You'll Love This Fall Harvest Salad

This incredible Fall Harvest Salad transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Fall Harvest Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Fall Harvest Salad:

4–6 cups shredded kale – Opt for fresh kale leaves, preferably lacinato or curly for the best texture.
1 large honeycrisp apple, sliced – Known for its sweet-tart flavor and crunch, it adds a refreshing contrast to the salad.
4 oz goat cheese – Creamy goat cheese enhances the richness of the dish and complements the sweetness of the roasted veggies.
1/2 cup chopped pecans – Toasted pecans provide a nice crunch and a nutty flavor, perfect for autumn.
1/2 cup dried cranberries – A sweet-tart addition that balances the flavors and adds a chewy texture.
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar – A tangy element that brings the flavors together in the vinaigrette.
1/2 cup avocado oil (or olive) – A healthy fat that enriches the salad with a light, buttery flavor.
2 tbsp honey – Adds natural sweetness to the dressing and enhances the apple’s flavor.
1 tbsp dijon mustard – Provides a delightful bite in the vinaigrette, giving it depth.
1 clove garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the dressing a zesty kick.
1 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors, bringing them to life.
1/2 tsp pepper – Adds a subtle spice to the mix.
1 large sweet potato, about 3 cups, diced into cubes or thin slices – Sweet potatoes contribute heartiness and natural sweetness to the salad’s base.
2 tbsp avocado oil – Used for roasting, it ensures the sweet potatoes get crispy and flavorful.
1/2 tsp salt – Seasoning for the sweet potatoes, enhancing their sweetness.
1/4 tsp pepper – Complements the salt in seasoning the sweet potatoes.
3 small chicken breasts – Provides lean protein to make this salad a complete meal.
1 tsp smoked paprika – Adds a smoky depth of flavor to the chicken.
1 tsp chili powder – A hint of spice that brings warmth to the dish.
1/2 tsp garlic powder – For extra flavor in the chicken seasoning.
1/2 tsp salt – To season the chicken and help develop a tasty crust.
1/4 tsp pepper – To enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.

How to Make Fall Harvest Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Fall Harvest Salad:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with avocado oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Spread them out on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Bake the sweet potatoes in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Season the Chicken
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the chicken by mixing smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken breasts.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
After the sweet potatoes have roasted for 20 minutes, remove them from the oven. Toss them lightly, then add the seasoned chicken to the same pan. Return everything to the oven and bake for an additional 16-18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Make the Vinaigrette
While the chicken and sweet potatoes are finishing, whisk together balsamic vinegar, avocado oil, honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create the dressing.

Step 7: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, add shredded kale. Pour the dressing over the kale and toss to coat well. Allow the kale to sit for at least 15 minutes to tenderize while you finish cooking the chicken and sweet potatoes.

Step 8: Assemble the Salad
Once everything is cooked, add sliced apples, roasted sweet potatoes, sliced chicken, crumbled goat cheese, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries on top of the kale. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients before serving.

Serve this Fall Harvest Salad at your next gathering, and watch everyone marvel at how something so fresh and colorful can taste so delicious. Enjoy the warmth of the spices, the sweetness of the apples and cranberries, and the tang of the goat cheese as they all come together!

You Must Know About Fall Harvest Salad

This showstopping Fall Harvest Salad delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Fall Harvest Salad Cooking Process

Start by roasting the sweet potatoes for the best texture. While they bake, prepare and marinate the chicken. Afterward, toss the kale with the vinaigrette and let the flavors meld before adding the baked ingredients. End with a beauty parade of toppings.

Add Your Touch to Fall Harvest Salad

Feel free to personalize your Fall Harvest Salad by swapping out kale for spinach or arugula, using feta in place of goat cheese, or adding grilled shrimp for a seafood twist. The possibilities are endless, making each salad uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating Fall Harvest Salad

To keep the Fall Harvest Salad fresh, store the vinaigrette separately from the salad. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Enjoy cold or gently reheated in the microwave to wake up the flavors.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Fall Harvest Salad

This professional-quality Fall Harvest Salad relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sharing this delightful Fall Harvest Salad with friends at a cozy fall gathering was one of my happiest kitchen moments. Their compliments filled the kitchen with warmth, reminding me just how powerful good food can be in bringing people together.

FAQs About Fall Harvest Salad

What is Fall Harvest Salad?

Fall Harvest Salad is a vibrant dish that embodies the flavors of autumn. It combines fresh kale, sweet roasted sweet potatoes, tart honeycrisp apples, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans, all tossed together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to your fall meals. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this salad is sure to impress with its delicious blend of textures and flavors.

How can I customize my Fall Harvest Salad?

Customizing your Fall Harvest Salad is part of the fun! You can swap kale for spinach or arugula if you prefer a milder flavor. Feta cheese can replace goat cheese for a different taste profile or add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein. To kick up the flavor, consider adding roasted Brussels sprouts or cranberries. With options like these, you can create a unique salad that suits your taste and occasion.

Can I prepare Fall Harvest Salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components of your Fall Harvest Salad ahead of time for convenience. Roast the sweet potatoes and cook the chicken a day in advance. Store each ingredient in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients. Keep the vinaigrette separate until you’re ready to toss everything together for optimal taste and texture.

What are the health benefits of Fall Harvest Salad?

Fall Harvest Salad offers numerous health benefits. The kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while sweet potatoes provide fiber and essential nutrients. Honeycrisp apples add natural sweetness and antioxidants. Goat cheese contributes protein and calcium, and pecans are a great source of healthy fats. This salad is not just tasty but also a nourishing option that supports health and wellness during the fall season.

Conclusion for Fall Harvest Salad

In summary, the Fall Harvest Salad is a delightful combination of seasonal ingredients that offers a burst of flavors and colors. With nutritious components like kale, sweet potatoes, and apples, it’s both healthy and satisfying. The versatility of this dish allows for countless variations, making it perfect for any occasion. Remember, whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, this Fall Harvest Salad is bound to be a crowd-pleaser, bringing warmth and joy to your autumn dining experience.