Some salads are just… okay. But Chicken Salad with Apples? This one’s a total game-changer! It’s crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory—all in one bite. Perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch, an easy meal prep option, or a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering.
Tender, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with crisp apples, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing that’s just the right balance of tangy and sweet. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Salad with Apples
Sweet & Savory Perfection
The mix of fresh apples and savory chicken creates an irresistible flavor contrast.
Quick & Easy
You can whip this up in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy days when you need something delicious in a flash.
Great for Meal Prep
Make a batch, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it all week—lunch has never been easier!
Light & Refreshing
It’s creamy without being heavy, making it the perfect balance of satisfying and fresh.
Customizable
Swap in different nuts, add grapes, or adjust the dressing to make it your own.
Ingredients in Chicken Salad with Apples
Here’s what makes this salad so delicious:
Chicken – Cooked and shredded or cubed. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience!
Apples – Crisp and slightly sweet. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith apples add the perfect crunch.
Celery – Adds a fresh, crunchy bite that balances the creaminess.
Red Onion – Just a little for a touch of sharpness and depth.
Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans) – Toasted for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Dried Cranberries (Optional) – A pop of tart sweetness that complements the apples.
Greek Yogurt or Mayo – The creamy base of the dressing—use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Dijon Mustard – Adds a little zing to the dressing.
Lemon Juice – Keeps the apples fresh and adds a bright, tangy flavor.
Honey – A touch of natural sweetness to balance the flavors.
Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this easy and delicious salad!
Prepare the Ingredients
Dice or shred the cooked chicken, chop the apples, celery, and red onion, and toast the nuts for extra flavor.
Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Everything
Add the chicken, apples, celery, red onion, nuts, and cranberries (if using) to the bowl. Toss everything together until well coated in the dressing.
Chill (Optional, But Recommended!)
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve & Enjoy
Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, wrapped in lettuce cups, or scooped onto crackers for a tasty snack!
How to Serve Chicken Salad with Apples
This salad is super versatile! Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- As a Sandwich – Pile it onto toasted bread or a croissant for an amazing lunch.
- On Greens – Serve it over a bed of fresh spinach, arugula, or mixed greens.
- With Crackers – Scoop it up with whole-grain crackers for a simple snack.
- In a Wrap – Roll it up in a tortilla with lettuce for a quick grab-and-go meal.
- Stuffed in an Avocado – A low-carb, nutritious twist that’s absolutely delicious!
Additional Tips
Pick the Right Apple
For a sweeter salad, use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Prefer something tart? Go for Granny Smith!
Make It Healthier
Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo for extra protein and fewer calories.
Add Some Extra Crunch
Toss in sunflower seeds or slivered almonds for more texture.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I Make It Ahead?
Yes! Just add the apples right before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use canned chicken?
A1: Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will give you the best flavor and texture.
Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
A2: Absolutely! Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or use all mayo.
Q3: How do I keep apples from browning?
A3: Toss them in lemon juice before adding them to the salad—it helps keep them fresh!
Q4: What nuts work best?
A4: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds all taste great. Just toast them for extra crunch!
Q5: Can I freeze this salad?
A5: Freezing isn’t recommended as the apples and dressing can get watery when thawed.
Q6: Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
A6: Definitely! Try grapes, pears, or even diced mango for a fun twist.
Q7: How long does this salad last?
A7: About 3 days in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Q8: What’s the best way to shred chicken?
A8: Use two forks, a stand mixer, or even your hands to pull apart cooked chicken easily.
Q9: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A9: Yes! It’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
Q10: Can I make it vegan?
A10: Try swapping the chicken for chickpeas or jackfruit for a plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Salad with Apples is a simple, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, salad, or snack, it’s bound to become a favorite. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with this perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness!
Print
Chicken Salad with Apples
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Salad with Apples is a low-calorie, high-protein meal that’s nutty, creamy, and slightly sweet. Made with tender chicken, crisp apples, and crunchy cashews, it’s a healthy and satisfying salad perfect for lunch or meal prep. Gluten-free, dairy-free option available!
Ingredients
- A handful of dried cranberries
- 2 chicken breasts, boiled and cubed
- 3 apples, deseeded and cubed
- A handful of cashew nuts
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- A pinch of salt & pepper
Instructions
- Place cranberries in a small bowl and pour over boiling water. Let them soak for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Cut boiled chicken into cubes. Deseed and cube the apples.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, apples, cranberries, and cashews.
- In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 316
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 55mg