Amazing 15-Minute Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
This quick and satisfying salad features crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tender shredded chicken in a creamy tangy dressing, perfect for lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken Use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken breast.
- 1 cup chopped crisp apple Suggested varieties: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Toast walnuts for deeper flavor if desired.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery Finely chop for crunch without overpowering the salad.
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option) Plain Greek yogurt provides a tangier, lower-fat dressing.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Can be substituted with yellow mustard.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Adjust for taste; add more if needed.
For Finishing
- Salt To taste.
- Black pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and core the apple, then chop into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Finely chop the celery and coarsely chop the walnuts if not already chopped. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Making the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped apple, walnuts, and celery.
Dressing the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the chicken-apple mixture and gently fold with a spatula until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep apple pieces intact.
Serving
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Serve immediately on lettuce cups, bread, or crackers.
Notes
For best results, use cold ingredients, and consider serving in lettuce cups or over mixed greens. Store the salad tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.