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If you’re looking for a refreshing, flavorful dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet, you’re going to fall in love with this Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tender chicken, crisp apples, and a creamy dressing that’s tangy and just a touch sweet. Whether you’re packing a lunch, hosting a casual gathering, or craving something wholesome and quick, this salad brings a burst of texture and color to your table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, familiar, and each adds its own unique touch—whether it’s texture, flavor, or vibrancy—to make this Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe so satisfying and irresistible.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken chopped into bite-sized pieces for convenience and hearty protein.
- 1 apple (about 1.5 cups, chopped): Choose a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a bright, tart crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy dressing.
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced): Adds a mild zing and a lovely pop of purple color that livens the salad visually and flavor-wise.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These little bursts of natural sweetness complement the tart apple beautifully and keep each bite interesting.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Forms the rich, creamy base of the dressing, coating each ingredient with silky goodness.
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt: Lightens the dressing while adding a subtle tang that balances the mayonnaise’s richness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle heat and a layer of depth to the dressing’s flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity that wakes up the salad and ties all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavors in every ingredient.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a mild peppery spice that complements the creaminess beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by chopping the cooked chicken and apple into bite-sized pieces so every forkful is easy to enjoy. Finely dice the red onion—it’s important to cut it small to avoid overpowering the salad with sharp onion bites.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chicken, apple, diced red onion, and dried cranberries. This colorful combination lays the foundation for all the flavors and textures you’ll love.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, plain yogurt, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy—this dressing is where the magic happens, blending creaminess with bright acidity and a touch of spice.
Step 4: Toss and Mix
Pour the luscious dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently but thoroughly. You want every piece of chicken, apple, and onion to be evenly coated so every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
You can serve this Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe immediately for a quick meal, but letting it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour lets the flavors meld together beautifully, making it even better the next day.
How to Serve Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or toasted walnuts on top for extra crunch and a fresh herbal note that brightens the salad even more.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery crackers. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad or light vegetable soup for a balanced lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stuff the salad into soft pita pockets or hollow out a ripe avocado and fill it with the chicken salad. It also makes a colorful and appealing topping for leafy greens or crostini at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad holds up well, and the flavors deepen over time—just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, as freezing can cause the apples and dressing to become watery and lose texture. For best results, avoid freezing.
Reheating
Because this salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. Just enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge for the freshest taste and crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples all work great. Just choose a variety that’s crisp and not overly sweet for the best balance of flavors and crunch.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can adapt the recipe by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and swapping mayonnaise and yogurt for vegan alternatives. The salad will still be delicious and satisfying.
Is it okay to use raw chicken?
This recipe requires cooked chicken. Make sure any chicken you use is fully cooked, whether it’s poached, roasted, or rotisserie, to keep the salad safe and tasty.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
If stored properly in an airtight container, the salad stays fresh for up to three days. Beyond that, the apples may start to soften and lose their crunch.
Can I add nuts or seeds for extra texture?
Definitely! Toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds add a wonderful crunch and complement the flavors beautifully. Just sprinkle them on top before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. It’s packed with layers of flavor, texture, and just the right amount of tang and sweetness. Whether for a quick weekday lunch or a picnic treat, I can’t recommend this salad enough—give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your meal rotation!
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Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and refreshing Chicken Salad with Apples, featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp apples, and a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, yogurt, and Dijon mustard. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or meal prep, combining sweet, savory, and tart flavors with a satisfying crunch from dried cranberries and red onion.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 apple, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Chop the cooked chicken and apple into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the red onion to ensure even distribution of flavors in the salad.
- Combine the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, apple, red onion, and dried cranberries. This combination provides a balance of savory and sweet elements.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain yogurt, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing adds creaminess and tang to the salad.
- Toss and Mix: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for fresh flavors, or refrigerate it to let the flavors meld together. This salad is great for meal prep or enjoying the next day as the taste deepens while chilled.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to add a tart crunch to the salad.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with extra yogurt or a low-fat mayo.
- Adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper according to taste.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for extra texture and flavor.
