Try some of my favorite variations like this classic Chicken Salad Recipe, Pesto Chicken Salad, or Curry Chicken Salad.
Chicken Salad with Apples
Our apple trees are producing more than ever before, so I’m all about apple recipes right now! I’ve nailed a new Apple Cobbler, made Apple Crumble a few times, and of course, my husband’s favorite Apple Pie. Oh, and I’ve made plenty of Applesauce too!
Naturally, I’m using apples in this chicken salad—it’s so good! If you’ve tried chicken salad with grapes (like my healthy version), you’ll love this combo just as much!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Salad with Apples:
- Rotisserie chicken: Use a warm, freshly bought rotisserie chicken for easy shredding—herb-seasoned if you can!
- Almonds: Toast them in a pan or use pre-toasted ones for more flavor.
- Cranberries: Choose unsweetened for less sweetness. I also love adding dried tart cherries.
- Apples: Honeycrisp is my favorite for a good crunch and sweetness.
- Green onions: Slice thinly or skip if you don’t like them.
- Mayo: Use full-fat for creaminess or low-fat if you prefer.
- Sour cream: Choose light or fat-free based on your preference.
- Honey: Swap with sugar if needed.
- Apple cider vinegar: This adds a nice tang! Shake well before using.
- Dijon mustard: Adds depth; adjust to your taste for more or less zing.
How To Make Chicken Salad With Apples
- Prep dressing: Whisk together the dressing and add salt and pepper.
- Combine salad: Mix chicken, almonds, cranberries/cherries, apples, and green onions in a bowl.
- Add dressing: Toss the salad with the dressing, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Enjoy as is or check my serving ideas below.
How To Serve Chicken Salad With Apples
- Sandwiches: Spread on multigrain bread or a croissant.
On apples: Thinly slice apples, core with a piping tip, and top with cheese, microgreens, and chicken salad. - Lettuce wraps: Scoop into lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- On greens: Serve over mixed salad greens.
- With crackers: Pair with crackers for a snack or light lunch.
- Stuffed avocados: Fill avocado halves with chicken salad.
- In a wrap: Roll in a tortilla with crunchy veggies.
- As a dip: Serve with veggie sticks for dipping.
Recipe Tips
- Chicken: Use any leftover chicken, just dice it up small.
- Apples: Try different kinds—Granny Smith for tart, Gala for sweet.
- Nuts: Swap almonds for pecans, pistachios, or walnuts. Toast if you can!
- Dressing: Adjust to taste—more mayo for creaminess, or a squeeze of lemon for freshness.
- Herbs: Toss in parsley, dill, or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate for a few hours to boost the flavors.
Storage
Storing Chicken Salad with Apples:
- Refrigerate: Keep in a sealed container for 3-5 days.
- Freeze: Not suggested; mayo and apples don’t freeze well.
- Leftovers: Best served cold. Mix well after chilling.
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes:
- Rosemary Chicken Salad super simple
- Grilled Cheese my favorite grilled cheese ever!
- Club Sandwich with the best sauce
- Turkey Sandwich on an English muffin
- Quickest Fish Sandwich with the best lemon sauce
Chicken Salad With Apples
Chicken Salad with Apples mixes juicy rotisserie chicken, crunchy apples, and a creamy dressing, making it the perfect sandwich filling!
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken rotisserie preferred
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds see note 1
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or dried tart cherries
- 1 cup finely diced apples Honeycrisp preferred, see note 2
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions optional
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 3 tablespoons sour cream light works great
- 1-1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1-1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- Serving suggestions see note 3
Instructions
- Whisk dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Scrape every bit of dressing on top and toss well. Taste and adjust to personal preference.
- Enjoy! Serve in sandwiches, on sliced apples, on lettuce boats, with crackers etc.
Video
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Buy toasted sliced almonds or toast your own:
- Place almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until they’re lightly browned and fragrant.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool. Cool completely before adding to the salad.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 307kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is delicious 😋! I didn’t have cranberries but added some celery instead. I’m more savory than sweet. My new go to chicken salad recipe!
So happy this was a hit! Thanks for your comment Gail!
Nice n easy !
So thrilled to hear you enjoyed!
LOVED the dressing ! It compliments the tart apples & cranberries and adds flair & variation to the traditional mayonnaise-y chicken salad croissant version. I added chopped grapes and a lil less vinegar makes for a thicker dressing. Thanks for an amazing chicken salad recipe. Will be on repeat.
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Laura!
So yummy served on apple slices!!
So thrilled you enjoyed this!
Vou fazer a salada, mas gostaria da tradução da receita. Obrigada pelo o carinho!
How do you make the salad dressing for the chicken salad?
It’s in the recipe card. You scrolled past it to leave this comment so go above and it’s all there 🙂
This was delicious! The apples and cranberries really made it special!
Thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Judith!