Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
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Looking for a tasty and easy meal? Try apple walnut chicken salad! This yummy dish mixes chicken, fruit, and nuts for a perfect lunch or light dinner. You can make it in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
It’s great on its own, in a sandwich, or on top of greens. The sweet apples and grapes blend nicely with crunchy celery and walnuts. A creamy dressing ties it all together. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this tasty apple walnut chicken salad, along with some substitution ideas:
Main ingredients:
- Cooked chicken breast (2 1/2 cups) – You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken
- Granny Smith apple (1 cup) – Try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter twist
- Celery (1/2 cup) – Swap with jicama for extra crunch
- Walnuts (1/2 cup) – Pecans or almonds work great too
- Red onion (1/4 cup) – Sweet onion is a milder option
- Red grapes (1/2 cup) – Green grapes or dried cranberries are nice alternatives
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup) – Try cilantro or dill for a different flavor
Dressing ingredients:
- Mayonnaise (2/3 cup) – Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp) – Whole grain mustard adds extra texture
- Honey (1 tbsp) – Maple syrup is a good substitute
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp) – Lemon juice works well too
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp) – Fresh minced garlic gives a stronger flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust quantities to suit your taste. You can also add extras like chopped bacon or sunflower seeds for more crunch and flavor.
Instructions
You’ll love how easy this apple walnut chicken salad is to make! Here’s what to do:
Mix the main ingredients in a big bowl. Add the diced chicken, apple, celery, walnuts, red onion, grapes, and parsley.
Make the dressing in a smaller bowl. Whisk the mayo, mustard, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mix. Gently stir everything together so it’s evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely.
When you’re ready to eat, you have lots of options! Serve it on lettuce, make a sandwich, or use it as a wrap filling. You can even enjoy it with some crackers on the side.
Remember to keep any leftovers in the fridge. They’ll stay yummy for 3-4 days.
Enjoy your homemade apple walnut chicken salad! It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Toast your walnuts before adding them to the salad. This brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch.
For extra tang, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayo. It’s a tasty, healthier swap that still keeps the salad creamy.
Chop your apples just before mixing to prevent browning. Or toss them with a bit of lemon juice first.
Get creative with mix-ins! Try dried cranberries, sliced almonds, or diced pears for fun twists on the classic recipe.
Store your chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Don’t freeze this salad. The mayo can separate and the fruits and veggies will get mushy when thawed.
Make a big batch on Sunday for easy lunches all week. Just grab and go!
Serve it in lettuce cups or hollowed-out tomatoes for a low-carb meal option.
For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before eating. This helps all the tastes blend together.