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!
Video
Equipment
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.
Final step! Please let us know how it was by leaving a review.
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: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 24.7g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 61.9mg | Sodium: 334.4mg | Fiber: 3.8g | Sugar: 18.4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This chicken salad was delicious! I used Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream. I also added a stock of celery, chopped for some added crunch. Will definitely be making this again!
Delish! I’m so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Heidi!
Very good! I really enjoy the apple and dried cranberries. They add great flavor and some crunch with the apple. Was still a little bland. A very nice change from the standard chicken salad.
I’m so thrilled to hear you enjoyed! Thanks Scott!
Hi there, Greetings from Canada,
Plan to make this recipe. How many servings will the recipe make and what type of cheese do you recommend I add to the recipe.
Love your recipes! Is your cook book available from amazon?
Thank you for your reply.
Yvonne
Hey Yvonne, it makes 4 sandwich servings and I love it with provolone. I haven’t published a cookbook yet, but I really appreciate your support. Thank you so much!
I love your recipes!
I’ve already ordered your cookbook and can’t wait to receive it.
Great recipe, thanks !
Yay! I’m so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Veronica!
I love this 🎈🌹❤️
Thanks so much!
Too good!
Yay! So glad this was a hit! Thanks Zach!