Chicken salad with apples is a refreshing twist on a classic dish, combining tender, savory chicken with the crisp sweetness of fresh fruit. This combination brings a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it ideal for a light lunch, picnic, or even a simple dinner. The sweetness of the apples pairs beautifully with the richness of the chicken, while a touch of creamy dressing ties all the elements together.
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. Cooked chicken can be shredded or diced, offering a satisfying protein base, while apples add a juicy crunch that brightens each bite. Many recipes incorporate celery or red onion for extra texture and subtle flavor contrast. A handful of toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can enhance the salad further, providing a nutty crunch that complements the softness of the chicken and apples.
Dressings for chicken salad with apples are typically creamy, often using mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a base. The dressing adds a gentle tang and moisture, helping bind the ingredients while keeping the salad light and flavorful. A touch of Dijon mustard or a splash of lemon juice can elevate the flavor even more, balancing the sweetness of the apples and enriching the overall taste.
This salad is not only delicious but also highly adaptable. It can be served over a bed of greens for a refreshing meal, stuffed into a sandwich or wrap for a portable option, or even enjoyed on its own as a satisfying snack. The crispness of the apples and the tenderness of the chicken make every bite a pleasant mix of textures, while the dressing ensures the flavors meld perfectly.
Chicken salad with apples also embodies a sense of comfort and simplicity, making it a favorite for busy weekdays or casual gatherings. Its combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors feels both familiar and slightly elevated, offering a fresh alternative to traditional chicken salads. Every bite delivers a harmony of taste and texture that is both satisfying and refreshing, reminding us why this classic dish continues to be so popular.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
- 1 large apple cored and diced
- 1/2 cup celery sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or as needed
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt for extra creaminess
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup walnuts chopped, optional
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, apple, and celery.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until well coated.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Short on time, so I just used store-bought rotisserie chicken and it still turned out great!
Soo good! I doubled the apples and added some grapes too! Tastes even better than I imagined!
Wow, doubling the apples sounds like a tasty twist! I’ll have to try it with grapes next time!
Love this! The yogurt makes it so creamy! I didn’t have walnuts, but I don’t think they were necessary.
This chicken salad is the best! I never thought to add apples before, but it gave it a nice sweet crunch! Will make again!
I tried this recipe and it was okay, but I think it needs more seasoning. I added some garlic powder and it helped a bit.
I totally agree! A bit more seasoning can really make a difference. Garlic powder is a great addition!
It’s ok, but my family didn’t like it much. I guess they prefer plain chicken salad without all the fancy stuff.
Idk about this one. Chicken and apples together? Sounds weird to me. Maybe stick to traditional recipes?
It’s okay but I feel like it needs something. Maybe more seasoning?
I totally agree! A pinch of garlic powder or some herbs like dill would really jazz it up. 🌿
This recipe is a keeper! I added grapes instead of apples and it was still fabulous!
Yum! I used cilantro instead of celery, and it was so fresh! 😋
Chicken + apples = weird combo. Didn’t like it much.
I actually thought the chicken and apples were a great combo! It adds a nice sweetness to it. Give it another try!
Is it really okay to mix yogurt and mayo? Seems off to me.
This chicken salad is amazing! The apples add such a great crunch and sweetness. Will definitely make again!
I’m skeptical about chicken and apples together. It sounds weird.
Yum! Perfect summer dish. Will be making it again for sure!
This is so good! I added grapes too and it was amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Loved it! I added some grapes too, made it even better!
That sounds interesting! Grapes would add a nice sweetness! I’m going to try that next time.
Grapes? Really? That don’t sound right. Apples are the star here, not grapes.
Hate to say it but my dog liked it better than I did. Lol.
Can you use grapes instead of apples? I have lots of grapes and don’t like apples. 3/5
Chicken salad? Why not just get a sandwich? This is too much work.
Absolutely love this salad! The apples add a great crunch.
Quick and tasty! My kids devoured it. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad your kids liked it! It’s so easy to make, right? My family enjoyed it too.
Really? I found it kinda bland. Maybe I added too much celery. Not sure it’s for me.
Tried it but found it too bland. Maybe add more spices? I don’t know, just didn’t do it for me.
Eww, mayonnaise with yogurt? Sounds weird. Y’all sure about this?
I thought the same at first, but it actually tastes great! The yogurt lightens it up a bit. Give it a shot!
Nah, sounds gross! Mayo and yogurt don’t mix, right? Just stick to one or the other!
Just tried this and it was too sour! Maybe I put too much lemon juice?
This recipe was a hit at my picnic! So easy and refreshing.
Chicken salad is good, but I only like it with grapes. And who needs walnuts?