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:
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2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
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1 large apple, diced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for sweetness; Granny Smith for tartness)
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½ cup celery, finely sliced
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½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
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½ cup red or green grapes, halved (optional but delicious!)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream, for creaminess)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 tsp honey (optional, to balance tartness)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken (if not already cooked)
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Season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper.
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Sear or bake until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
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Cool, then chop or shred.
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Toast the Walnuts
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In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
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Cool before adding to salad.
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Mix the Dressing
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In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
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Combine the Salad
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In a large bowl, toss together chicken, apple, celery, walnuts, onion (if using), grapes, and parsley.
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Add dressing and stir gently to coat evenly.
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Chill & Serve
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
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Serve over lettuce greens, on croissants, or in wraps.
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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