Sweet & Zesty Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe for Summer Joy

Crisp autumn winds whisper promises of delightful chicken salad with apples waiting to surprise your taste buds.

Juicy apple chunks dance alongside tender chicken pieces in a symphony of flavors.

Unexpected combinations make this recipe shine brighter than typical lunch options.

Sweet and savory notes weave through each refreshing bite.

Crunchy textures contrast delicately against smooth dressing elements.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels both comforting and light.

You’ll find this dish perfect for quick midday meals or elegant gatherings.

Take a culinary adventure and let these vibrant flavors transform your ordinary lunch.

Chicken Apple Salad Essentials

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main body of the salad, best when freshly boiled and cooled.
• Cashews: Crunchy nuts that add protein and texture to the dish.

• Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that provides freshness and natural sweetness, choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Cranberries: Tart dried fruit that adds color and bright flavor, softened by soaking in boiling water.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that creates a tangy and light dressing, use full-fat for richer flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that adds depth and zesty notes to the dressing.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the salad.

Chicken Salad with Apples Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Plump Up The Cranberries

Submerge cranberries in boiling water and let them soak for a quarter hour.

Once time is up, carefully drain the water, leaving soft and juicy cranberries ready for action.

Step 2: Prep Your Protein And Produce

Chop the boiled chicken into bite-sized cubes.

Remove apple seeds and dice the fruit into similar-sized pieces for a perfect texture blend.

Step 3: Combine Primary Ingredients

• Chicken cubes
• Apple chunks
• Softened cranberries
• Crunchy cashews

Gently mix the ingredients to create a delightful foundation for your salad.

Step 4: Whip Up The Creamy Dressing

• Tangy Greek yogurt
• Zesty Dijon mustard

Stir until the ingredients create a smooth, harmonious mixture.

Step 5: Dress And Elevate

Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients.

Toss everything together, ensuring each morsel gets coated with the delectable sauce.

Step 6: Season To Perfection

Sprinkle salt and pepper across the salad.

Adjust seasoning to match your flavor preferences.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Plate immediately for a fresh, crisp meal or refrigerate for a cool, refreshing treat later.

Your chicken salad is ready to delight taste buds!

Chicken Apple Salad Tips For Fresh Flavor

• Boiling water helps plump and soften dried cranberries, making them juicier and more flavorful in the salad.
• Opt for crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to add a refreshing crunch and balance the creamy yogurt dressing.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian version without compromising taste and texture.
• Mix in different nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of cashews, or add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for extra nutrition and varied texture.
• Experiment with herbs like dill or chives in the yogurt-mustard dressing to enhance the overall taste profile and add a fresh, aromatic touch.

Chicken Salad With Apples That Stays Crisp And Tangy

• Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid mixing dressing with entire salad if planning to store. Keep dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain crisp ingredients and prevent watery consistency.
• Do not freeze this salad as yogurt and fresh apples will separate and lose texture when thawed. Chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh within a few days of preparation.
• Consume cold directly from the refrigerator. Chicken salad is a no-cook dish designed to be served chilled, so skip reheating to preserve ingredient quality and taste.

Bright Flavors For Chicken Apple Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the tangy chicken salad, balancing the creamy yogurt and sharp Dijon mustard.
• Fresh Sourdough Accompaniment: Toasted sourdough bread provides a crunchy texture that enhances the salad's soft chicken and adds a delightful contrast to the dish.
• Chilled Sparkling Water with Citrus: Lemon or lime-infused sparkling water cuts through the richness of the salad, refreshing the palate and highlighting the apple's sweetness.
• Light Herbal Iced Tea: Mint or green tea offers a cool, clean finish that matches the salad's fresh ingredients and provides a hydrating beverage option.

Chicken Apple Salad Variants

• Vegan Veggie Crunch: Replace chicken with firm tofu, use almond yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and add extra crunchy vegetables like diced bell peppers and cucumber.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Swap apples with diced zucchini, use extra chicken for more protein, and replace cashews with sliced almonds for additional crunch.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Substitute cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes, add chopped fresh basil and oregano, use feta cheese instead of yogurt dressing for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Replace cashews with pumpkin seeds, add diced jalapeños, use cilantro, and mix in a small amount of chipotle sauce for a zesty kick.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of cashews?

Yes, you can easily substitute cashews with almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

• Is Greek yogurt necessary for the dressing?

Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy base, but you can replace it with sour cream or regular plain yogurt if needed. The key is to maintain a thick, creamy consistency.

• How long can the chicken salad stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this chicken salad will remain fresh for 2-3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving to keep the salad crisp and prevent the apples from browning.

Chicken Salad With Apples That’s Fresh And Crunchy

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this delightful chicken salad in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy professionals and home cooks seeking a speedy, nutritious lunch.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this salad on a bed of greens, stuffed in a wrap, or as a protein-packed sandwich filling for endless mealtime creativity.
• Balanced Nutritional Profile: Packed with lean protein from chicken, antioxidant-rich cranberries, crunchy cashews, and protein-dense Greek yogurt, this recipe delivers a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the sweet-tangy flavor combination and varied textures, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crisp Granny Smith apples dance through classic chicken salad, elevating familiar comfort with refreshing crunch. Light mayo, crunchy celery, and tender chicken create a perfect summer lunch that promises delightful flavors in every satisfying bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, boiled and cubed

Fruits and Nuts:

• 3 apples, deseeded and cubed
• 1 handful dried cranberries
• 1 handful cashew nuts

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Hydrate dried cranberries by submerging them in scalding water for quarter of an hour, allowing them to plump and soften before thoroughly draining.
2. Transform cooled poultry into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring consistent texture throughout the mixture.
3. Meticulously prepare crisp apples by removing seeds and slicing into neat, comparable dimensions.
4. Consolidate shredded chicken, diced apples, rehydrated cranberries, and crunchy cashews within a spacious mixing vessel.
5. Craft a creamy dressing by whisking tangy Greek yogurt with zesty Dijon mustard until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Cascade the yogurt-mustard blend over the salad components, gently folding to ensure even distribution and complete coating of ingredients.
7. Enhance flavor profile by delicately sprinkling salt and freshly cracked pepper, adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
8. Present immediately for optimal freshness, or seal and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and develop more complexity.

Notes

• Plump up cranberries by soaking them in hot water to restore moisture and enhance their texture.
• Choose crisp, sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast in the salad.
• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Toast cashews briefly in a dry skillet to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg