Chicken Salad with Apples is a refreshing twist on the classic. The bright clean flavor of Granny Smith apples stands out among tender shreds of chicken, and a creamy seasoned sauce.
There are things in life we need more of: kindness, generosity, and salads that don't include lettuce. So I guess making a chicken salad and giving it away to a friend is the type of thing Nobel Peace Prizes are made of. Really, I can't get enough of chicken salads, they are quick and easy to prepare, pack a ton of flavor and can be enjoyed a variety of different ways.
Easy Chicken Salad
The easiest way to make chicken salad is to use rotisserie chicken. It is already pre-cooked and exceptionally tender, so there isn't much you need to do other than shred it. You can even buy it in advance and cool it in the refrigerator a day or two prior to making the salad.
How to Make Chicken Salad with Apples
I find it is best to mix all of the ingredients without the chicken first. The reason for doing this is because as the chicken is mixed it tends to break apart into increasingly smaller shreds. The smaller the shreds, the less creamy the chicken salad will be because there will be more surface area of chicken the sauce needs to cover. If you find your chicken salad with Apples needs to be creamier for any reason, there is no harm in adding more mayo.
Apples are not the only great addition to chicken salad. Nuts play nicely in the salad as well. Specifically, I like my chicken salad with apples and walnuts, though pecans would be a great substitution as well. The nutty crunch nicely contrasts the tender chicken.
How to Serve Chicken Salad
Chicken salad can be served in a bowl and simply enjoyed with a fork, or you can enjoy it as a hearty sandwich. I always recommend toasting your bread when serving chicken salad, it adds better texture and it helps stand up to the creaminess of the salad. Croissants and ciabatta bread are two of my favorite options for chicken salad sandwiches.
Chicken Salad Ideas
The possibilities for making chicken salad are endless. Be sure to check out my Classic Chicken Salad, it is a great base to make your own recipe too. Otherwise, Chicken Salad with Grapes is a popular variation as well!
Chicken Salad with Apples
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded Chicken breast (can use 1 rotisserie chicken), cooked & cooled
- ½ cup Mayo
- 1 stalk Celery (chopped)
- ½ medium Onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon chopped Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- fresh Ground Pepper
- ½ chopped Green Apple
- ½ cup chopped Walnuts
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until combined, with the exception of the chicken.
- Add shredded chicken to the bowl and mix to incorporate.
- Chicken salad can be served immediately or set in the fridge overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve in bowls or on bread to enjoy as a sandwich.
Notes
Nutrition
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Dan M.
I have made this a few times and follow the recipe as is with the exception of I use the type of apple I have on hand. Today I had a Red Delicious! I use the whole apple because I really like the flavor of the apples. Also today I substituted pecans for the walnuts because that's what I had. This is a five star recipe to me!
Ken P
The best chicken salad I have made or had elsewhere. Super simple with common items stocked in the kitchen.
Maria
I'm going to try this recipe. I use to work at the Black Angus and back in the 80's and 90's. This is the closest recipe I have found. Thank you
Maggi
This is now my go-to chicken salad recipe!
Stacy
I made this today-yum! Love your blog and recipes.