When it comes to enjoying a healthy and refreshing meal, an Apple Walnut Chicken Salad strikes the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy dressing that brings it all together in a delightful bite. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack, this Apple Walnut Chicken Salad will surely satisfy your taste buds.
What is Apple Walnut Chicken Salad?
Apple Walnut Chicken Salad is a delicious and versatile salad that combines protein-packed chicken with the crisp sweetness of apples and the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s made even more enjoyable with a creamy and tangy dressing that enhances all the flavors. Whether you’re serving it on a bed of lettuce, in a wrap, or with croissants, this salad offers a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Origin of Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
While the exact origin of Apple Walnut Chicken Salad is unclear, it is widely believed to be inspired by the classic Waldorf Salad, which originated at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City in the late 19th century. The original Waldorf Salad combined apples, walnuts, and celery, but as time passed, different variations were created, including this chicken version. The addition of chicken transforms the salad into a more filling and protein-rich option, making it a popular choice for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients for Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
- 1 large apple, diced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for sweetness; Granny Smith for tartness)
- ½ cup celery, finely sliced
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ cup red or green grapes, halved (optional, but delicious!)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream, for creaminess)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, to balance tartness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
1. Cook the Chicken (if not already cooked)
- Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sear or bake until fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to cool, then chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Toast the Walnuts
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Once toasted, allow them to cool before adding them to the salad.
3. Prepare the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, diced apple, sliced celery, toasted walnuts, red onion (if using), halved grapes, and chopped parsley.
5. Add the Dressing
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Chill & Serve
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce greens, in croissants, or in wraps for a light and refreshing meal.
Tips and Variations
- Add texture and color: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds or chopped dried cranberries for extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Lighter version: For a lighter version, substitute all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Curried variation: Try adding ½ teaspoon of curry powder to the dressing for a unique, aromatic twist.
- Storage: This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken, such as from a rotisserie, works perfectly for this recipe. It saves time and adds even more flavor.
2. Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes! This salad is ideal for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better when the flavors have had time to blend together in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour.
3. Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes, for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers to maintain the crunch factor.
4. Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with other nuts like pecans or almonds. The goal is to add a nutty crunch that complements the other ingredients.
5. Can I use a different type of dressing?
While the creamy dressing with mayo and Greek yogurt is classic for this recipe, you can try a vinaigrette or even a balsamic glaze for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion: Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
Apple Walnut Chicken Salad is an incredibly versatile, fresh, and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a light meal or as part of a larger spread. With the combination of tender chicken, crispy apples, and toasted walnuts, all tossed together with a creamy, tangy dressing, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you prefer it with croissants, wraps, or on a bed of lettuce, the bright flavors of this salad will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
With the addition of customizable ingredients and variations, it’s easy to adjust this salad to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you make it ahead for meal prep or serve it fresh, the Apple Walnut Chicken Salad is a delightful and healthy option that everyone will enjoy.
By crafting this Apple Walnut Chicken Salad recipe with clear instructions and helpful tips, you can ensure a delicious, refreshing meal that your family and friends will love. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing lunch, or looking for a nutritious snack, this recipe is the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Enjoy it today and experience the taste of freshness in every bite!
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Apple Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Apple Walnut Chicken Salad is a delicious and versatile salad that combines protein-packed chicken with the crisp sweetness of apples and the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s made even more enjoyable with a creamy and tangy dressing that enhances all the flavors. Whether you’re serving it on a bed of lettuce, in a wrap, or with croissants, this salad offers a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
1 large apple, diced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for sweetness; Granny Smith for tartness)
½ cup celery, finely sliced
½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
½ cup red or green grapes, halved (optional but delicious!)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream, for creaminess)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tsp honey (optional, to balance tartness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Chicken (if not already cooked)
Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper.
Sear or bake until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Cool, then chop or shred.
Toast the Walnuts
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
Cool before adding to salad.
Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together chicken, apple, celery, walnuts, onion (if using), grapes, and parsley.
Add dressing and stir gently to coat evenly.
Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Serve over lettuce greens, on croissants, or in wraps.
Notes
This Apple Walnut Chicken Salad is a refreshing and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch or a light dinner. For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds or add a touch of crumbled blue cheese. Serve on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or with whole-grain crackers for a versatile option.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad / Main Course
- Method: Mixing & Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken Walnut Salad, Apple Chicken Salad, Walnut Chicken Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad, Apple Salad with Chicken
