Description
This Apple Chicken Salad features tender, diced cooked chicken mixed with crisp apples, celery, red onion, and optional grapes and nuts, all coated in a creamy dressing made of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. It’s a refreshing and satisfying salad perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens, making it a versatile and easy meal prep option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 medium apples, diced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup seedless grapes, halved (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cooked chicken, diced apples, finely chopped celery, diced red onion, halved grapes (if using), and chopped pecans or walnuts. Mix these thoroughly to distribute the solid ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined to create a creamy dressing.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps flavors meld and enhances taste.
- Serve: After chilling, serve the apple chicken salad on croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and complete meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy preparation without cooking chicken yourself.
- Pecans add a subtle sweetness, whereas walnuts contribute a richer, earthier flavor to the salad.
- For a lighter or healthier version, replace mayonnaise entirely with additional Greek yogurt.
- Consider adding dried cranberries for an extra touch of sweetness and chewy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
