Transform your everyday meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with this incredibly flavorful Apple Chicken Salad. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes, combining the satisfying crunch of fresh apples and toasted cashews with tender chicken, all coated in a subtly sweet and tangy honey dressing. This easy-to-make recipe promises a delicious lunch, a light yet filling dinner, or a perfect centerpiece for any gathering, making it a staple in your recipe collection.
As the crisp air of early fall descends, our culinary cravings often shift towards the comforting and vibrant flavors of apples. While apples are undeniably fantastic for baking pies and crisps, their versatility extends far beyond desserts. This chicken salad recipe beautifully showcases apples in a savory context, packing a delightful seasonal punch that balances sweetness with a refreshing tang. The harmonious blend of juicy chicken, crisp apples, crunchy cashews, and a delicate honey dressing makes this a truly standout dish.
One of the many charms of this fabulous Apple Chicken Salad is its incredible adaptability. It pairs wonderfully when served simply over a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce, offering a light and healthy meal option. For those who prefer a heartier presentation, transform it into irresistible chicken salad sandwiches, piled high on a flaky croissant or a slice of perfectly toasted sourdough bread. It’s an effortless solution for a quick weekday lunch, an elegant light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for fall luncheons, bridal showers, and casual get-togethers. Its fresh, vibrant profile makes it a year-round favorite, not just confined to autumn.
Why Apple Chicken Salad Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box
If you’re constantly seeking an easy chicken salad recipe that feels both fresh and seasonally appropriate, this Apple Chicken Salad is an absolute must-have. It’s crafted with succulent, tender chicken breast, bright, crisp apples, and savory toasted cashews, all gently coated in a sweet, creamy honey dressing that feels delightfully light, not heavy. Each forkful is an adventure in texture and flavor, featuring the juicy tenderness of the chicken, the satisfying crunch of celery, and the refreshing bite of crisp apples. This dynamic combination elevates it far beyond a typical chicken salad, making it a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Beyond its delicious taste, this chicken apple salad recipe shines in its versatility. You can enjoy it in countless ways: serve it elegantly on a fresh bed of leafy greens, tuck it into crisp lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or pile it generously onto your favorite bread for classic chicken salad sandwiches. This is one of those timeless, easy chicken salads that seamlessly fits into any occasion, from efficient weekday meal prep to relaxed dinners with friends. It’s a dish that consistently delivers on flavor, convenience, and healthful appeal, proving that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
The Magic of Apples in Savory Dishes
While apples are often relegated to sweet treats like pies, crumbles, and crisps, their culinary prowess extends beautifully into savory realms. In this chicken salad, apples are a game-changer, introducing a delightful crunch and a burst of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the rich chicken and creamy dressing. For the best flavor and textural contrast, I highly recommend using a mix of apple varieties. Tart Granny Smith apples provide a refreshing zest and firm texture, while sweeter varieties like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady offer a balanced sweetness and delightful crispness. When these are tossed with tender chicken and our signature honey-mayo dressing, the result is truly one of the best chicken salads, especially when fresh fall produce is at its peak.
Another compelling reason to love this particular chicken salad recipe is its inherent adaptability and ease of preparation. It’s designed to be flexible, allowing you to use whatever cooked chicken you have on hand. Whether you opt for the convenience of a store-bought rotisserie chicken, utilize leftover roasted chicken from a previous meal, or even choose pre-cooked chicken breast strips, this recipe guarantees a quick and satisfying meal. This adaptability not only saves precious time in the kitchen but also makes it an excellent method for transforming a whole chicken into a delightful second meal, preventing food waste and maximizing flavor.
Ingredients for Your Irresistible Apple Chicken Salad
Crafting this delightful Apple Chicken Salad requires a selection of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of what you need, along with insights into how each component contributes to the overall deliciousness. Exact measurements and step-by-step instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
For the Dressing and the Salad:
- Honey: This natural sweetener provides a lovely counterpoint to the tartness of the apples and apple cider vinegar, adding depth and a touch of indulgence to the dressing. Feel free to adjust the amount to your desired sweetness level.
- Mayonnaise: The backbone of our creamy dressing. Use your favorite high-quality brand, or for a lighter, tangier profile, consider substituting half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A vital ingredient that brings a bright, tangy balance to the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the mayonnaise, enhancing all the other flavors in the salad.
- Cooked Chicken: The primary protein. This recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for using shredded or diced cooked chicken. Options include pre-cooked chicken breast strips (like Tyson® Grilled and Ready®), the tender meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken or turkey. This makes it an ideal choice for quick meals and meal prep.
- Salted Cashews: Toasted and roughly chopped, cashews add a delightful nutty flavor and an essential crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft chicken and apples. If you prefer, pecans or walnuts also make excellent substitutes, offering a similar crunch and earthy note.
- A Crisp Apple: The star ingredient, cubed. The type of apple you choose can significantly impact the flavor profile. Granny Smith apples lend a tart, crisp bite, while Gala, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples offer a sweeter, equally crisp experience. A mix of varieties can provide the most complex and satisfying taste.
- Lemon Juice: Crucial for preventing the diced apples from browning and maintaining their fresh, vibrant appearance. It also adds a subtle bright, citrusy note that elevates the overall flavor.
- Celery: Finely chopped, celery contributes a refreshing, clean crunch and a subtle savory depth that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
For Serving:
This versatile salad can be served in many appealing ways to suit any occasion or preference.
Serve it elegantly over a crisp bed of lettuce for a light and refreshing meal, or spoon it generously onto toasted bread, flaky croissants, or soft rolls for a hearty and satisfying sandwich. It also pairs wonderfully with an assortment of crackers for a simple snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making this Apple Chicken Salad is straightforward and quick, ensuring you can enjoy its fresh flavors with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
1. Prepare the Cashews: Begin by toasting your cashews. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and toast in a hot oven (around 400°F or 200°C) for approximately 5 minutes, or until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, allow them to cool completely before roughly chopping them. This step significantly enhances their nutty flavor and adds an irresistible crunch.
2. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the honey, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well-emulsified. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the remaining salad components. Chilling the dressing allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken isn’t already in bite-sized pieces, cut or shred it to your desired consistency. Uniform pieces ensure that every bite of the salad is balanced.
4. Cube the Apples: Dice your chosen apple into small, manageable cubes. Immediately toss the diced apples with lemon juice. This simple step is vital as it prevents the apples from oxidizing and turning brown, preserving their fresh appearance and crisp texture.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared chicken, the lemon-tossed apples, finely chopped celery, and the roughly chopped toasted cashews. Pour the chilled honey dressing over these ingredients.
6. Toss and Chill: Gently stir everything together until all the components are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can bruise the apples. Once combined, cover the bowl and place it back in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes, or ideally a few hours, before serving. This chilling time is essential, as it allows the flavors to fully meld and deepen, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious salad.
7. Serve and Enjoy: When ready, serve your delightful Apple Chicken Salad in your preferred manner. It’s excellent over a bed of fresh greens, spooned into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option, layered generously on a croissant or your favorite toasted bread, or simply enjoyed with a side of crackers for a light and satisfying meal.
Storage: Store any leftover Apple Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve slightly overnight, but it’s best consumed within this timeframe for optimal freshness and texture.
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Substitutions and Variations to Explore
This Apple Chicken Salad is wonderfully flexible, allowing for numerous delicious variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad: For an extra layer of tartness and chewiness, add dried cranberries or fresh, tart cranberries to the mix. They pair beautifully with the apples and honey.
- Lighter Dressing Options: While mayonnaise creates a rich, creamy base, you can easily lighten the dressing by swapping some or all of it with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will add a tangier, fresher note.
- Nut Alternatives: If cashews aren’t your preference or you’re looking for something different, crunchy pecans or walnuts make excellent substitutes, offering their own distinct nutty flavors and textures. Toasted almonds could also be a delightful addition.
- Low-Carb Friendly: For a delicious low-carb meal, spoon the chicken salad into crisp lettuce wraps (butter lettuce or romaine hearts work wonderfully) or hollowed-out bell pepper halves.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Elevate the flavor profile with fresh herbs like finely chopped dill, parsley, or chives. A tablespoon or two can add a wonderful aromatic freshness.
- Spiced Twist: For an unexpected yet delicious twist, try adding a tiny pinch of curry powder to the dressing. It creates a warm, aromatic dimension that complements the chicken and apples beautifully.
- Other Fruits: Beyond apples, other fruits like red grapes (halved) or dried cherries can also be incorporated for additional sweetness and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Chicken Salad
- Do I need to peel the apples? That truly depends on your personal preference. Many people, including myself, prefer to leave the peel on for added fiber, beautiful color, and extra crunch. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to peel them before dicing.
- Can I freeze chicken salad? I generally do not recommend freezing chicken salad, especially one made with mayonnaise, apples, and celery. The texture of the mayonnaise can separate upon thawing, and the apples and celery will likely become soggy and lose their appealing crispness. For best quality, store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it within three days.
- What’s the best way to serve it? This salad is incredibly versatile! Some favorite ways to enjoy it include piling it on flaky croissants, serving it with crisp crackers for a simple snack, or wrapping it in lettuce cups for a light, low-carb option. It’s also delicious as a side dish or simply eaten on its own.
- Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely, and in fact, it’s encouraged! This chicken salad actually tastes even better if it chills for a few hours (or overnight) before serving, as this allows all the flavors to fully meld together. Just remember to assemble it onto bread, croissants, or crackers right before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
More Delicious Salad Recipes to Try
If you consider yourself a salad enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! I have a fantastic array of Salad recipes available here on my website that are sure to inspire your next meal. After trying this Apple Chicken Salad, I’m confident you’ll also adore my refreshing Peach Basil Chicken Salad (pictured above), the vibrant Chinese Chicken Salad, the hearty Grilled Chicken Waldorf Salad, and this playful Snicker Apple Salad recipe!
For more delightful options, don’t miss out on these incredible salads: the satisfying Bacon Cashew Broccoli Salad, the classic and simple Caprese Salad, the iconic Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad, and this fresh Italian Raw Veggie Salad.
And for those who, like me, eagerly await apple season, be sure to explore all of my apple recipes for more delicious ways to enjoy this versatile fruit!
This simple yet sophisticated chicken salad with apples is a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Whether it graces your favorite bread, fills a crisp lettuce wrap, or serves as a delightful side dish, its blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements makes it a truly fabulous salad for fall and well beyond. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create a truly memorable meal.
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Print Recipe
Apple Chicken Salad
A wonderful twist on the common chicken salad, with the crunch of apples and cashews, and a sweet honey dressing.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Additional Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ACV, Apple Chicken Salad, apples, cashews, celery, chicken, chicken salad, honey, leftover chicken, leftover turkey, salad, sandwich
Servings: 3 cups
Calories: 658 kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Cast Magnesium Apple/Potato Peeler Corer by Spiralizer
- Stainless Steel Apple Corer
- Zyliss Easy Twist Apple Corer, White
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 cups about 3/4 pound Tyson® Grilled and Ready® Chicken Breast Strips, thawed
- 1/2 cup salted cashews, toasted, roughly chopped
- 1 apple (about 1 cup), cubed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
Instructions
- Toast cashews by placing them in the oven on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Cool them, and roughly chop them.
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, and mayo. Place it in the fridge while you make the chicken mixture.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss the diced apples with lemon juice.
- Add the chicken, celery, apples, and cashews to a bowl. Pour dressing over, and stir to combine.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve on a bed of greens, on rolls or croissants, or with crackers.
Notes
This makes a great presentation for showers or luncheons.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5 cup | Calories: 658 kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 461mg | Potassium: 480mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3mg
This recipe was originally posted on August 24, 2015, in partnership with Tyson. The post has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on October 3, 2025.