Delicious & Easy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe: Your Go-To Healthy Meal
Discover a truly delightful dish that perfectly marries flavor, texture, and convenience: the Apple Walnut Chicken Salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying meal designed to tantalize your taste buds. Imagine succulent, tender chicken, crisp, sweet apples, and earthy, crunchy walnuts, all brought together in a creamy, subtly tangy dressing. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, nutty, and savory notes that makes it an instant favorite for quick lunches, elegant light dinners, and efficient meal prep throughout the week. Plus, for those with dietary considerations, it’s naturally gluten-free, offering a wholesome option for everyone.
What truly sets this apple walnut chicken salad apart is its impeccable textural balance. Each bite offers a delightful journey: the refreshing snap of fresh apple, the satisfying, toasted crunch of walnuts, and the tender, juicy chicken, all enveloped by a rich and creamy dressing that binds every element beautifully. It’s an experience that goes beyond mere sustenance, making your meal truly enjoyable and memorable.
This recipe is also a fantastic solution for utilizing leftover cooked chicken, whether it’s from a roast chicken dinner or a store-bought rotisserie chicken. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform simple components into a gourmet-level meal in a matter of minutes. Its remarkable versatility means you can enjoy it in countless ways: piled high in a classic sandwich, tucked into a fresh wrap, elegantly served on a bed of crisp greens for a lighter option, or simply savored on its own as a wholesome bowl. Its adaptability ensures it fits perfectly into any meal plan or dietary preference.
Beyond its incredible taste and versatility, this chicken salad excels as a make-ahead marvel. Prepare a larger batch at the beginning of the week, and store it in the refrigerator for quick, nutritious meals on busy days. The flavors only deepen and meld beautifully after chilling, ensuring a fantastic experience with every serving. If you appreciate the comforting familiarity of a classic chicken salad but crave an exciting twist with added crunch, natural sweetness, and a burst of fresh flavor, this chicken apple and walnut salad is the absolute perfect choice for you. It’s a delicious upgrade that you’ll want to make again and again.
What’s To Love About This Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
- This chicken apple and walnut salad boasts a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors, creating an irresistible profile that keeps you coming back for more. The natural sweetness of the apples, the rich nuttiness of the walnuts, the savory chicken, and the bright tang of the dressing combine for an explosion of taste.
- It’s quick and easy to prepare in just about 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays or when you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can master this recipe.
- It’s excellent for meal prep – the flavors deepen and meld beautifully after chilling in the refrigerator, allowing you to prepare it in advance and enjoy delicious, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week. This saves time and ensures you always have a healthy option on hand.
- This salad is incredibly versatile for serving: perfect for wholesome sandwiches on your favorite bread, light and refreshing wraps using tortillas or large lettuce leaves, or served elegantly over a bed of mixed greens for a delicious lower-carb option. You can also enjoy it as a dip with crackers or as a protein-packed snack.
Ingredient Notes & Expert Tips for the Best Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
To ensure your apple walnut chicken salad turns out perfectly every time, paying attention to your ingredients is key. Please scroll down for the full, detailed recipe card with exact measurements! These notes offer guidance on selecting and preparing your key components for optimal flavor and texture.
- Chicken: The foundation of our salad is, of course, the chicken. For the best flavor and texture, freshly cooked chicken is highly recommended. You can use tender shredded or diced rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience, which is a fantastic time-saver. Grilled chicken breasts add a smoky depth, while poached chicken offers a wonderfully tender and moist consistency. If you’re truly in a pinch, canned chicken can work, but it might lack the robust flavor and desirable texture that freshly cooked options provide. Ensure your chicken is cooled completely before mixing to prevent wilting the other fresh ingredients and to maintain the salad’s refreshing quality.
- Apples: The right apple variety is crucial for that signature crisp bite and balanced sweetness. Fuji apples are a superb choice due to their inherent crispness and appealingly sweet-tart flavor profile. Honeycrisp and Gala apples are also excellent alternatives, offering similar crunch and sweetness. If you prefer a more tart flavor, Granny Smith apples work wonderfully, but you might want to slightly reduce the amount of apple cider vinegar in the dressing to compensate for their natural acidity and maintain a harmonious balance. Dicing the apples uniformly ensures an even distribution of flavor and texture throughout the salad.
- Walnuts: These provide the essential nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. To elevate their taste, don’t skip toasting the walnuts! A few minutes in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, will significantly enhance their nuttiness and bring out a delicious, rich depth of flavor. Alternatively, you can spread them on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. If walnuts aren’t your preference, or you’re looking to experiment, pecans offer a buttery richness, almonds provide a different kind of crunch, and cashews contribute a milder, creamy texture.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient is vital for adding a delightful tang and extra creaminess to the dressing, which beautifully complements the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the chicken. For a slightly healthier alternative that still delivers on tang and creaminess, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute. While you can certainly use only mayonnaise (this Easy Keto Mayonnaise looks great for a homemade version!), it tends to be richer and lacks the necessary acidity to cut through the other flavors. If you opt for an all-mayonnaise dressing, consider adding a bit more apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance the richness with a bright, zesty note.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient is a secret weapon for the dressing, imparting a subtle, fruity tang that brightens the entire salad. It plays a crucial role in balancing the creamy dressing and the sweet components. If apple cider vinegar is unavailable, fresh lemon juice is an excellent substitute, offering a similar zesty kick. Distilled white vinegar can also be used, though it will have a sharper, less fruity flavor.
- Celery and Red Onion: While these are standard chicken salad additions, their role is significant. Finely diced celery adds another layer of crispness and a fresh, subtle peppery note. Red onion, also finely diced, contributes a sharp, pungent bite that provides a welcome contrast to the sweetness of the apple and the richness of the dressing. If red onion is too strong for your palate, green onions or milder white onion can be used, or you can soak diced red onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes to mellow its flavor.
How to Make This Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
Crafting this flavorful walnut apple chicken salad is incredibly straightforward and quick, making it a perfect recipe for any day of the week. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well-blended. Ensure there are no lumps and the consistency is creamy. Set this aside as you prepare the rest of the salad components.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients. Dice or shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the fresh apple into small, uniform cubes, ensuring they are not too large. Roughly chop the toasted walnuts. Finely dice the celery and red onion. Once all ingredients are prepped, add them all into a large mixing bowl, making sure there’s enough room for thorough mixing.
Step 3: Combine and Mix. Pour the prepared creamy dressing evenly over all the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently mix everything until all the chicken, apples, walnuts, celery, and onion are thoroughly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which can break down the texture of the ingredients.
Step 4: Chill and Serve. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious taste. Once chilled, give it a final stir, then serve and enjoy this wonderfully refreshing and satisfying salad!
Tips for Success: Elevating Your Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
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Chill Time is Key: While tempting to dive right in, allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) is crucial. This resting period enables all the delicious flavors from the dressing, chicken, apples, and walnuts to fully meld together, creating a more cohesive and enjoyable taste experience. If you can, prepare it an hour or two before serving.
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Don’t Skip Toasting the Walnuts: As mentioned in the ingredient notes, toasting the walnuts significantly enhances their flavor and crunch. The heat brings out their natural oils, making them more aromatic and intensely nutty. This small step makes a big difference in the overall profile of your chicken salad.
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Dice Ingredients Evenly: For a balanced texture and flavor in every bite, aim to dice your chicken, apples, celery, and onion into roughly similar-sized pieces. This ensures that no single ingredient overwhelms another and that you get a mix of textures with each spoonful.
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Adjust Dressing to Your Liking: The recipe provides a fantastic base, but feel free to adjust the dressing’s tanginess or creaminess. Add a little more apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for extra zest, or a touch more sour cream/mayonnaise for increased richness. Always taste and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) before serving.
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Prevent Soggy Apples: Apples can release moisture over time. To keep them crisp, you can add them just before serving if you’re making the salad significantly in advance. Alternatively, a squeeze of lemon juice over the diced apples before adding them to the salad can help prevent browning and maintain their firmness.
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Choose Quality Chicken: The better the quality and flavor of your cooked chicken, the better your salad will taste. Freshly roasted or grilled chicken will always yield superior results compared to pre-packaged or overly processed options.
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Consider Fresh Herbs: For an extra layer of freshness and flavor, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill can be a wonderful addition. Add them right before serving for maximum impact.
How to Make Ahead and Store Your Chicken Salad
This apple walnut chicken salad is truly an excellent make-ahead dish, perfect for busy lifestyles or for feeding a crowd. Its flavors deepen with time, making it even more delicious on the second or third day. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when handled properly. Here are a few essential tips to keep your salad fresh, crisp, and utterly delicious:
- For Optimal Crispness: If you plan on making the salad a day or more in advance, a pro tip is to hold back on adding the diced apples and toasted walnuts until just before you’re ready to serve. This strategy ensures that these key ingredients retain their appealing crispness and crunch, preventing them from becoming soggy from the dressing or losing their textural integrity. Keep them in separate airtight containers and fold them into the salad right before it’s time to eat.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover chicken apple walnut salad should be stored in an airtight container. This prevents air exposure, which can cause oxidation and dry out the ingredients. Place it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, and it will remain fresh and enjoyable for up to 3 days. Always use your best judgment regarding food safety; if it smells or looks off, it’s best to discard it.
- Important: Do Not Freeze! Unlike some other dishes, this chicken salad does not fare well in the freezer. The creamy, mayonnaise and sour cream-based dressing will inevitably separate and become watery and unappetizing once thawed. The crisp textures of the apples and celery will also turn mushy and lose their appeal. For these reasons, it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh within the recommended refrigeration period. Plan your batches accordingly to avoid waste and ensure maximum enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
The versatility of this apple walnut chicken salad is one of its greatest assets. There are countless delicious and creative ways to enjoy this vibrant dish, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive appetizer. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal:
How to Serve Chicken Salad
- Classic Sandwiches: Pile the chicken salad high between two slices of your favorite bread – think hearty whole wheat, soft brioche, toasted sourdough, or even a flaky croissant for an elevated touch. Add a leaf of crisp lettuce or a slice of tomato for extra freshness.
- Light Wraps: For a lighter, carb-conscious option, spoon the salad into large, crisp lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine) or into whole wheat tortillas, spinach wraps, or gluten-free tortillas. Add some extra greens or sliced cucumbers for added crunch.
- Over a Bed of Greens: Transform it into a fulfilling main course salad by serving a generous scoop over a vibrant mix of fresh greens. Arugula, spinach, or mixed spring greens provide a perfect base. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette if desired, though the chicken salad dressing is often enough.
- With Crackers or Crostini: Offer it as an elegant appetizer or a simple snack with a side of your favorite crackers, toasted baguette slices (crostini), or pita chips. It’s a fantastic dip for entertaining!
- Stuffed Avocados or Bell Peppers: For a nutrient-dense and visually appealing meal, halve an avocado and remove the pit, then fill the cavity with a generous scoop of chicken salad. Alternatively, hollow out small bell peppers (any color) and stuff them with the salad for a crunchy, colorful presentation.
- In a Phyllo Cup or Tartlet: For a sophisticated party appetizer, spoon small amounts of the chicken salad into pre-baked mini phyllo cups or savory tartlet shells. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of paprika.
- As a Side Dish: It makes a fantastic side for a picnic or potluck. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or some grilled vegetables.
- On Its Own: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy this salad is simply by itself, savoring each spoonful of its balanced flavors and varied textures. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone meal.
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Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Salad:
- 2/3 cup (78 grams) walnuts roughly chopped
- 3 cups (420 grams) cooked chicken diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) celery diced
- 1/3 cup (33 grams) red onion or green onion or white onion, diced
- 1 1/4 cups (246 grams) diced apple about 1 medium Fuji
Instructions
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Toast chopped 2/3 cup (78 grams) walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant. Or spread chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 5-10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until golden and fragrant. Cool while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
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In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (118 ml) mayonnaise, 1/4 cup (59 ml) sour cream, 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper until smooth and well blended.
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In a large mixing bowl, mix together 3 cups (420 grams) cooked chicken, cooled 2/3 cup (78 grams) walnuts, 1/2 cup (50 grams) celery, 1/3 cup (33 grams) red onion, 1 1/4 cups (246 grams) diced apple and stir in the dressing.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Do not freeze!
Notes
- Using only mayonnaise in the dressing can make it too rich without enough acidity to balance the flavors. If sour cream or Greek yogurt isn’t available and you need to use just mayonnaise, consider adding extra vinegar to enhance the tanginess.
- If you don’t want to use walnuts, you can use pecans, cashews or almonds.
- Fuji apples are my go-to for this salad, but any firm and crunchy variety will work well. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith are excellent alternatives. If using Granny Smith, consider cutting back the vinegar by ½ tablespoon to balance the extra tartness.
- I prefer keeping the apple skin on for a pop of color and extra fiber, but if you’d rather have a smoother texture, feel free to peel them.
- Nutritional info is just for the chicken apple walnut salad – not the croissant.