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