There’s something about a chicken salad recipe with apples that feels so refreshing and satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy flavors, coming together in just one dish. Whether you’re planning lunch on the go or serving something impressive at a gathering, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and versatility.

Apples bring a crisp texture and natural sweetness to this dish, paired wonderfully with tender chicken and a tangy dressing. If you’re a fan of variations, you can also enjoy a cranberry chicken salad recipe for a similarly delicious twist. It’s a wholesome, delicious salad that’s worth sharing with everyone!

Ingredients

2 cups diced cooked rotisserie chicken
1 cup finely diced Honeycrisp apples
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions (optional)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons light sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Key Ingredients:

Rotisserie chicken for convenience and tenderness
Honeycrisp apples for a crunchy texture
Almonds for a nutty taste and extra crunch

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small whisk or fork
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make This Recipe?

Making this salad is quick and easy, combining basic ingredients into a delightful dish. The mix of textures and flavors is what makes this salad stand out, from the crisp apples to the toasty almonds. If you’re looking to save even more prep time, you might appreciate a no-fuss canned chicken salad recipe as another option. Let’s go step by step!

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This tangy-sweet sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Salad

Using a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced apples, toasted almonds, cranberries, and green onions (if using). Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Assemble Everything

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to mix everything until all the ingredients are coated with the creamy dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed with a pinch of salt or pepper.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For the best flavors, cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 20–30 minutes before serving. This gives the dressing time to meld with the ingredients. Once chilled, serve as desired and enjoy!

Why I Love Making This Recipe?

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just tasty but also so simple to make. I love how the apples and almonds add a fresh crunch, while the rotisserie chicken keeps it quick yet hearty. It’s my go-to when I’m short on time but want something that feels a little fancy. Honestly, the combination of tangy dressing and sweet apples never fails to cheer me up!

Tips and Variations

Making this chicken salad is almost foolproof, but small tweaks can make it even better! I’ve experimented a lot and found these tips helpful:

Try different nuts like pecans or walnuts if you’re out of almonds. They add a unique twist.
Change the fruits by swapping cranberries with raisins or chopped tart cherries for variety.
Make it healthier with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.

For those curious about exploring different dressing options, a Chinese chicken salad dressing recipe could add a new dimension. I’ve also found that chilling the salad for a few hours before serving amplifies its taste. Trust me, this small wait is worth it!

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it on buttery croissants for a posh sandwich, over crisp lettuce for a light meal, or in a tortilla wrap with cucumbers and carrots. For a snack, spoon the salad onto crackers or stuff it into hollowed-out apple halves for a fun presentation.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: Not recommended as the mayo and apples don’t hold up well when frozen.
Reheating: Enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, but give it a good mix before serving to refresh the flavors.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: 405
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 26g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re making this salad for the first time, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for. These could impact the texture or taste:

Using unripe apples can make the salad too sour or bland. Always pick a sweet, crisp variety like Honeycrisp.
Skipping the toasting step for almonds. Toasted nuts give a much stronger flavor than raw ones.
Overdressing the salad, which can make it overly creamy. Add the dressing gradually to prevent this.
Not chilling the salad before serving. Chilling lets the flavors meld and come alive.

With this recipe, you’re not just preparing food; you’re creating a dish full of vibrant colors and bold flavors. Happy cooking!

Ash Tyrrell