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.
Now my favorite chicken salad recipe! Really delicious! Eating ours on Ezekiel bread!
Delish! Thanks for sharing!
I made this last week and it’s delicious! I used it in a wrap, with crackers, and on toast. Will definitely be making it again! Thank you for the recipe!
I’m so thrilled to hear this! Thanks for your comment!
It was delicious 😋thank you for sharing all your great recipes,
I’m so happy to hear this! Thanks Marjanne!
It was delicious 😋 thank you for sharing all your delicious recipes.
Second time making it, definitely a keeper! I can put a nice scoop over some spring greens for a nice lunch. There’s nothing like a nice sweet/savory recipe like this with such complex flavor. Thank you ❤️
I’m so happy it’s become a keeper! I love that sweet & savory combo so much. Thanks for making it again and for taking the time to leave such a kind review!
This is, by far, the best chicken salad I have ever had! Everyone loves this classic in my household, even my pesky teen. I swap the almonds for pecans though. I make one very large chicken breast, 1/4 onion(sweet) instead of green, a whole honeycrisp apple(small), and 1/3c dried cranberries per batch, along with the dressing ingredients. Everyone wants me to make this! I make a batch per person for the whole week. Never goes to waste! Thanks for the delicious recipe, Chelsea!!
This absolutely made my day! I’m so happy it’s such a hit with your whole family! 🙂 And I love the pecan and Honeycrisp swaps. Thanks so much for sharing!
I was buying this type of CSalad from my local grocer when they had it, $9.99lb. 😳
Saw your recipe, made it and it is WAY cheaper and has sooo much flavor! I served it to an elderly woman that I care for and it’s now her favorite too. Thank you…
That is the best! I’m so glad you found it cheaper to make at home and even more flavorful. Thank you so much for making my recipe and sharing this, it made my day!
Es delicioso y muy nutritivo para nuestro cuerpo
Gracious Blanca!
Your recipes look amazing!
Thanks so much Sue!
I did try this from your website this week and I even had it for lunch today. I replaced the almonds with walnuts and it tasted so good. Thank you
Yay! I’m so happy to hear this! I bet walnuts are delish here, thanks for sharing!