Description
A refreshing and crunchy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad blending tender diced chicken breast, crisp Granny Smith apples, celery, toasted walnuts, red grapes, and red onion, all tossed in a creamy honey Dijon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or picnic meal, this salad offers a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 1⁄2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup diced Granny Smith apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1⁄2 cup diced celery (about 2 ribs)
- 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
- 1⁄4 cup diced red onion
- 1⁄2 cup halved red grapes
- 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 2⁄3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the diced cooked chicken breast, diced Granny Smith apple, diced celery, lightly toasted walnuts, diced red onion, halved red grapes, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the dressing becomes smooth and creamy with a balanced flavor.
- Toss with the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently stir or fold to coat all the ingredients evenly without mashing the apples or grapes.
- Refrigerate to Blend Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to infuse and meld together beautifully.
- Serve Chilled: Serve the apple walnut chicken salad cold, either on a bed of lettuce, inside sandwiches or wraps, or alongside crackers for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the salad.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayonnaise alternative.
- Adjust the amount of honey and Dijon mustard in the dressing to reach your preferred balance of sweetness and tang.
- Best served chilled, the salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Can be customized by adding dried cranberries or swapping red grapes for green grapes.
