A fresh and flavorful chicken salad apple recipe made with shredded chicken, crisp apples, nuts, and a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, protein-rich lunch.
Introduction: Chicken Salad Apple Recipe
If you want a fresh, balanced meal that’s ready in minutes, this chicken salad apple recipe is the perfect choice.
It combines tender chicken, crisp apples, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing that feels satisfying without being heavy. This recipe works well for meal prep, lunchboxes, sandwich fillings, or a quick high-protein snack.
The combination of sweet apples and savory chicken gives it a bright, refreshing twist that keeps you coming back to it.
Why This Chicken Salad Apple Recipe Works
This chicken salad apple recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Chicken provides a lean, protein-rich base.
- Apples add crisp sweetness.
- Celery brings refreshing crunch.
- Nuts (walnuts or pecans) deepen the flavor with natural toastiness.
The Greek yogurt–mayo dressing keeps it creamy without being heavy, while lemon juice brightens the entire dish. Optional dried cranberries add a pop of color and tang. Everything works together to create a salad that’s nutritious, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Protein | Cooked chicken (shredded or diced) |
| Fruit | Diced apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala) |
| Vegetables | Celery (chopped), Red onion (optional) |
| Crunch | Walnuts or pecans (chopped), Dried cranberries (optional) |
| Dressing | Greek yogurt, Mayonnaise, Lemon juice, Dijon mustard |
| Seasoning | Salt, Black pepper |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Use shredded or diced chicken — rotisserie, poached, or leftover chicken all work perfectly. Allow it to cool completely. - Chop the Produce
Dice the apples, chop celery, and finely dice onion if using. - Toast the Nuts
Lightly toast walnuts or pecans for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor. - Mix the Dressing
Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. - Bring It All Together
Add chicken, apples, celery, nuts, and optional cranberries to a bowl.
Coat with dressing and gently fold until evenly mixed. - Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to help flavors meld.
Variations and Twists
- Waldorf-Style Chicken Apple Salad
Add grapes, raisins, and walnuts for a classic twist. - Curried Chicken Apple Salad
Mix curry powder into the dressing for warm, aromatic flavor. - Grilled Chicken + Cheddar Variation
Use grilled chicken, white cheddar, almonds, and cranberries for a hearty version. - Low-Carb / Diabetes-Friendly Version
Use mostly Greek yogurt, fewer cranberries, and controlled apple portions. - Autumn Harvest Style
Add roasted sweet potatoes or pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over salad greens for a light lunch.
- Use as sandwich filling in wraps, buns, or pitas.
- Spoon into lettuce cups for a low-carb meal.
- Pack in meal prep containers for busy weekdays.
- Pair with crackers or sliced baguette as an appetizer.
Tips for Meal Prep & Storage
- Chill before serving for best texture.
- Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Toss apples in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- If the salad thickens, add a dash of lemon juice or water.
- Add nuts right before serving to keep them crunchy.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Using warm chicken → makes the dressing watery.
- Skipping lemon juice → apples brown quickly.
- Over-mixing → breaks down apple texture.
- Adding too much dressing → salad becomes mushy.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
This recipe is loaded with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
| Health Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| High Protein Content | Chicken and Greek yogurt provide lean, filling protein that supports muscle repair and long-lasting energy. |
| Rich in Fiber & Antioxidants | Apples supply fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support digestion and immunity. |
| Heart-Healthy Fats | Walnuts or pecans offer unsaturated fats that improve heart health and keep you satisfied. |
| Lower in Calories & Carbs | Using Greek yogurt reduces calories and carbs compared to heavy mayo-based salads. |
| Balanced Nutrient Profile | Contains protein, healthy fats, fiber, and natural sugars for a steady energy boost without spikes. |
| Suitable for Healthy Diets | Works well for low-carb, heart-healthy, and balanced meal plans when portioned correctly. |
It’s ideal for anyone looking for a balanced, heart-healthy, and energizing meal.
FAQs
What apples work best?
Crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala hold their texture well.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes — it adds great flavor and reduces prep time.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, especially if you limit dried cranberries and adjust apple quantity.
How long does it last?
2–3 days in the refrigerator.
Can I replace mayo?
Use all Greek yogurt or a light avocado dressing.
Conclusion
This chicken salad apple recipe is fresh, satisfying, and incredibly versatile—perfect for meal prep, lunches, or quick dinners.
With its crunchy-sweet balance and creamy dressing, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again
Hi, I’m Sidra Asif, the heart behind Chicken Bites. Cooking has been my lifelong passion, sparked by the magical meals I watched my mother create in our family kitchen. Over the years, I’ve explored diverse cuisines, earned a diploma in Culinary Arts, and refined my skills in professional kitchens—learning the art of flavor pairing, presentation, and creativity.
Through Chicken Bites, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and culinary adventures to inspire home cooks to turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary meals. Join me on this flavorful journey where tradition meets innovation, and every dish is made with love! 🍗✨
