Chicken Salad with Apple

Y’all know how much I love a good shortcut in the kitchen, especially when it comes to feeding my crew after a long day of school and activities. Last week, the afternoon light streaming through the kitchen window, I was craving something cool and refreshing. That’s when it hit me: Chicken Salad with Apples! I’ve made this chicken salad dozens of times in my kitchen, tweaking it each time until it was just right. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a picnic. You’re gonna love how easy and delicious this is, and how it brings a little bit of Texas sunshine to your table. This recipe delivers a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful chicken salad that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

This Chicken Salad with Apples is a winner because it’s quick, versatile, and packed with flavor. Here’s why I think it’ll become one of your go-to recipes:

• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it takes less than 30 minutes to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunches.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the apples and grapes makes it appealing to even the pickiest eaters. My kids gobble it up every time!
• Make-Ahead: You can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, making it a lifesaver for meal prepping. The flavors actually meld together and get even better over time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for tang and creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Lettuce leaves, croissants, or bread for serving

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a little more detail about why I chose these ingredients and how you can customize them:

• Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor and saves you time.
• Apples: I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their crisp texture and slightly tart flavor, but any crisp apple will work. Fuji or Gala apples offer a sweeter taste if that’s what you’re craving.
• Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: I like to use a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to lighten up the salad without sacrificing creaminess. The Greek yogurt also adds a nice tang. You can use all mayonnaise if you prefer. I usually use Hellmann’s, but use your favorite.
• Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, but feel free to omit them if you have allergies or simply don’t care for nuts. Sunflower seeds are a great alternative.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a touch of Dijon adds a subtle kick and enhances the other flavors. You can substitute with yellow mustard if you don’t have Dijon on hand, but I really recommend the Dijon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Follow these simple steps to create the best Chicken Salad with Apples you’ve ever tasted.

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones, then shred or dice the meat. If you’re cooking chicken breasts, poach them until cooked through (about 15-20 minutes), then let them cool slightly before shredding or dicing. I like to poach mine with a little salt, pepper, and bay leaf for added flavor.
2. Chop the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, and chopped apple. Make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size for a consistent texture.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of sugar if my apples are particularly tart.
4. Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the chicken and apple mixture. Gently fold everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the chicken salad will become mushy.
5. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. After testing this several times, I learned that chilling it for an hour really enhances the taste.
6. Serve: Serve the chicken salad on lettuce leaves, in croissants, on bread, or with crackers. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.

Storage & Meal Prep

This Chicken Salad with Apples is perfect for meal prepping and easy storage:

• Storage: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• How Long It Lasts: It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. After that, the apples and celery may start to soften.
• Reheating: Chicken salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary!
• Make-Ahead Ideas: You can chop the celery and apples a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be cooked and shredded ahead of time. Then, just mix everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some tested and suggested variations:

• Gluten-Free: Serve the chicken salad on lettuce leaves or with gluten-free crackers.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise substitute.
• Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Cranberry Chicken Salad: Substitute dried cranberries for the grapes for a festive twist.
• Curry Chicken Salad: Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the dressing for a warm, aromatic flavor. I haven’t personally tested this, but my neighbor swears by it!

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare some of the components in advance. Chop vegetables a day ahead and store them in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better for busy mornings.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Tossing the chopped apples with lemon juice helps prevent browning. You can also store the chopped apples in a bowl of water with lemon juice until you’re ready to use them.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, you can use canned chicken in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well and remove any bones or cartilage. Keep in mind that canned chicken has a different texture and flavor than fresh chicken.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweetness of the apples and grapes makes it appealing to kids. You can also adjust the amount of mayonnaise and seasonings to suit their taste preferences.

What else can I add to this chicken salad?

The possibilities are endless! Consider adding chopped bell peppers, dried cranberries, chopped fresh herbs (like dill or parsley), or a sprinkle of sunflower seeds for added flavor and texture.

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?

Chicken salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, as long as it is stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

I do not recommend freezing chicken salad, as the mayonnaise and other ingredients can separate and become watery when thawed. It’s best to make it fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Y’all, this Chicken Salad with Apples is more than just a recipe; it’s a little taste of home and a reminder that simple meals can be the most satisfying. I hope you give it a try and make it your own! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this Texas-inspired dish and all the variations you come up with. Don’t forget to share your creations with me in the comments below or tag me on social media using #FamiliesRecipes. If you loved this recipe, be sure to sign up for my newsletter for more delicious and easy family-friendly meals straight to your inbox!

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