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Apple Chicken Salad

Apple Chicken Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with crisp apples and a medley of other ingredients to create a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Ingredients Group Label

  • 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or diced Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or cook your own chicken breasts.
  • 1 large Apple, cored and diced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended.
  • 1/2 cup Celery, finely chopped Adds a refreshing crunch.
  • 1/2 cup Red grapes, halved Adds sweetness and juiciness.
  • 1/4 cup Walnuts or pecans, chopped Provides crunch and richness.
  • 1/4 cup Dried cranberries or raisins (optional) For extra sweetness and chewiness.
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Base for the dressing.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds tangy depth to the dressing.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Helps to brighten flavors.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning.
  • Fresh herbs (optional) Like parsley or dill, chopped.

Instructions

  • Start by preparing your chicken. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking from scratch, boil or bake the chicken breasts until fully cooked, then allow them to cool before shredding or dicing.
  • Wash and prepare the apple. Core the apple and cut it into small cubes. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  • Chop the celery into small, even pieces. Slice grapes in half.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced apple, chopped celery, halved grapes, and chopped nuts. Add dried cranberries or raisins if desired.
  • In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture. Gently fold until evenly coated.
  • If using fresh herbs, fold them into the salad. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and enjoy!

Notes

Consider adding spices or different nuts for variations. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.