Are you looking for a healthy and delicious meal that's quick to prepare? Look no further! This apple chicken salad recipe with walnuts is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a light yet satisfying lunch. It's packed with flavor, combining the sweetness of apples, the savory notes of chicken, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast)
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala recommended), diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by cooking your chicken breast. You can boil, bake, grill, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing. Dice your apples, chop the walnuts, celery, and red onion. This is a great time to also chop your fresh herbs if you're using them.
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Combine the Salad: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, diced apples, chopped walnuts, celery, and red onion.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and apple mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the apples to become mushy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your apple chicken salad immediately or chill for later. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an extra touch of freshness. This delicious dish is perfect on its own, in a sandwich, on a bed of greens, or with crackers.
Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Chicken Salad:
- Apple Choice Matters: The type of apple you choose significantly impacts the flavor and texture of your salad. Crisper apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala hold their shape better and provide a nice contrast to the creamy dressing.
- Don't Overmix: Gently toss the salad ingredients to prevent the apples from becoming mushy and releasing excess liquid.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. You can also add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter salad.
- Make it Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best to add the walnuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Variations:
- Add Grapes: For a sweeter twist, add 1/2 cup of halved green or red grapes.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Cranberry Chicken Salad: Swap the apples for dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Curried Chicken Salad: Add 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder to the dressing for an exotic flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This apple chicken salad recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. It's a perfect example of how healthy meals can be both satisfying and easy to prepare. Enjoy this versatile and flavorful salad!