Looking for a fresh take on classic lunchtime flavors? The Chicken Apple Walnut Salad is a vibrant medley where savory, sweet, and nutty combine in each memorable bite. This satisfying salad is packed with juicy chicken, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, sweet-tart cranberries, and a creamy, zesty dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re prepping a wholesome meal for a busy weekday or making a show-stealer for your next picnic, this Chicken Apple Walnut Salad is the recipe you’ll reach for time and again. Trust me, it’s as delightful on your taste buds as it is pretty on your plate!

Chicken Apple Walnut Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so crave-worthy! Each component of this Chicken Apple Walnut Salad plays a key role— from crisp, refreshing apple to crunchy walnuts, nothing’s here by accident.

Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, diced): Choose lean, tender chicken breast for lots of protein and a hearty salad base; rotisserie works wonderfully for flavor and speed.
Large apple (1, cored and diced): A tart apple like Granny Smith or a sweet Honeycrisp brings lively crunch and balance to the savory ingredients.
Walnuts (1/2 cup, roughly chopped): Walnuts add a delightful earthiness and satisfying crunch— try toasting them for even more flavor.
Dried cranberries (1/4 cup): A handful of dried cranberries introduces pops of sweetness and a jewel-like color.
Celery (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Celery gives crunch and a hint of natural saltiness, brightening up each bite.
Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Red onion brings a subtle zing and gorgeous purple color— soak in cold water first to mellow the flavor if you wish.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creamy mayonnaise forms the backbone of the dressing; use Greek yogurt instead if you want it lighter and tangy.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Just a touch adds sophistication and a mild kick to the dressing.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lemon juice wakes up all the flavors in the salad and keeps the apples bright.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Taste as you go and season accordingly for perfectly balanced flavors.
Mixed salad greens (4 cups): A bed of greens like arugula, spinach, or spring mix turns your salad into a full meal and adds fresh color.

How to Make Chicken Apple Walnut Salad

Step 1: Chop and Prep the Ingredients

Start by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, then core and dice your apple— leaving the skin on for extra color and crunch. Roughly chop the walnuts so you get nice pieces in every forkful. Finely chop the celery and red onion. This mix of sizes and textures is what makes the Chicken Apple Walnut Salad so special!

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, apple, walnuts, cranberries, celery, and red onion. Gently toss all together so everything is well distributed. You’ll see all those gorgeous colors start to mingle, and you’ll know you’re building something delicious!

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This quick homemade dressing ties the Chicken Apple Walnut Salad together, and the hint of lemon really lifts all the other flavors.

Step 4: Combine Salad and Dressing

Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken and apple mixture. Gently toss everything together so each ingredient is generously coated. The dressing may look thick at first, but as you fold everything together, it distributes beautifully and adds just the right amount of richness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

You can serve your Chicken Apple Walnut Salad right away, but if you chill it for about 30 minutes, the flavors mingle and deepen—highly recommended if you have the time! Either serve the salad mixture on top of the mixed greens for a pretty presentation, or toss everything together for a more classic style. Sprinkle a few extra walnuts or cranberries on top for added crunch and color.

How to Serve Chicken Apple Walnut Salad

Garnishes

There are so many ways to take your Chicken Apple Walnut Salad from delicious to dazzling with a few well-chosen garnishes. Try a scattering of extra toasted walnuts, a handful of microgreens, or even a few shavings of aged Parmesan for a savory note. A final drizzle of lemon juice or swish of cracked black pepper amps up the freshness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This salad is absolutely satisfying on its own, but it also feels right at home alongside so many favorite sides. Pair it with warm, crusty bread or a bowl of creamy soup for a cozy lunch. If you’re going for a lighter meal, serve it with a cup of fruit salad or a tangy cucumber and tomato medley—there’s no wrong answer!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to let your Chicken Apple Walnut Salad shine in unexpected ways! Pile it high in lettuce cups for a low-carb party snack, tuck into a pita for a fun lunchbox twist, or serve atop a slice of toasted baguette for a chic appetizer. It also looks stunning plated family-style, scattered over a big platter of greens and garnished with extra cranberries and nuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Apple Walnut Salad lasts beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days if stored in an airtight container. For the freshest texture, store the salad greens separately and mix them in just before serving so they stay crisp and vibrant.

Freezing

While this salad can technically be frozen, I don’t recommend it: the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate, and the crisp apples and celery lose their freshness. If you need to prepare ahead, make everything except the dressing and combine just before eating for the best results.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, and doesn’t require reheating. If you’re enjoying it straight from the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors really shine and the texture soften just a bit.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is not only convenient but it adds a lovely depth of flavor. Just make sure to remove the skin and dice the meat for best texture in your Chicken Apple Walnut Salad.

What type Salad

Granny Smith apples bring a tart, crunchy bite that balances out the sweet cranberries, but Honeycrisp apples add a wonderful sweetness and remain crisp. Either is a fantastic choice for Chicken Apple Walnut Salad!

How can I make this salad lighter?

For a lighter twist, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. It still makes the dressing creamy and tangy, but with less fat and more protein—perfect for a wholesome Chicken Apple Walnut Salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, the core ingredients of Chicken Apple Walnut Salad are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any add-ins (like dressing or store-bought chicken) if you have strict dietary needs.

Can I prepare the salad in advance for a party?

Definitely! Assemble all the chopped ingredients and keep them chilled, but toss with dressing and salad greens right before you serve. This keeps everything crisp, fresh, and party-perfect.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Chicken Apple Walnut Salad brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine! It’s a delightful combination that’s full of color, flavor, and good-for-you ingredients. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your new lunch or picnic favorite.

Chicken Apple Walnut Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken Apple Walnut Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Tender chicken, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries come together in a creamy dressing served over mixed greens.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
1 large apple, cored and diced
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Additional:

4 cups mixed salad greens

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Instructions

Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, apple, walnuts, dried cranberries, celery, and red onion.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until well coated.
Serve: Serve the salad mixture on top of the mixed salad greens or toss everything together. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

For extra crunch, toast the walnuts before adding them.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for a balance of sweetness and tartness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American