Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad takes me straight back to Austin weekends when I’d raid the farmers’ market for crisp apples and fragrant herbs, then hurry home to toss together a big bowl of creamy chicken salad for friends on the patio. Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad reminds me of kneading bread with Mom, sneaking bites of salsa, and learning how contrasting textures make every bite pop—tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, snappy celery, and juicy grapes. I love how Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad balances tangy yogurt or mayo with sweet apples and a hint of Dijon for bold, feel-good flavor

Why You’ll Love This :

This Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad delivers juicy chicken, crisp apples, buttery walnuts, and a creamy tang from mayo or Greek yogurt that feels fresh yet satisfying for meal prep or quick lunches. It comes together fast with rotisserie chicken, scales beautifully for gatherings, and stays bright thanks to lemon and Dijon keeping the flavors lively and balanced. Serve it in lettuce cups, on toasted sourdough, or stuffed into croissants for a versatile, crowd-pleasing bite any time of day.

Ingredients for Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

• Cooked chicken: shredded or diced, from poached, roasted, or rotisserie chicken for convenience and tenderness.
• Apples: crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji for crunch and sweetness in every bite.
• Walnuts: toasted for deeper flavor and added texture; pecans also work if preferred.
• Celery and red onion: add snap and a mild bite that balances the creamy base.
• Grapes: optional but classic; halve red or green for juicy pops that echo a Waldorf vibe.
• Mayo and/or Greek yogurt: use all mayo for richness or split with yogurt for a lighter, tangy finish.
• Dijon mustard and lemon juice: brighten the dressing and cut richness for better balance.
• Fresh herbs: parsley or dill for freshness; tarragon adds a light anise note if desired.
• Salt, black pepper, optional honey: season to taste; add a touch of honey if apples are very tart.

Substitutions & Variations for Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

• Dairy-free: swap mayo made without dairy and skip yogurt; thin with olive oil and lemon for silkiness.
• Nut-free: use toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch without walnuts.
• Low-carb: omit grapes and honey; boost celery and cucumber for volume and snap.
• Herb swap: try chives, basil, or tarragon to shift the flavor profile while staying bright and aromatic.
• Protein twist: use turkey or canned chicken in a pinch; both take well to the creamy dressing and apples.
• Dressing upgrade: stir in a spoon of whole-grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, or a pinch of curry powder for a modern riff.
• Add-ins: diced cheddar, dried cranberries, or celery seed lean into deli-style flavors with extra depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

• Poach or shred 3 cups cooked chicken; cool completely for the juiciest texture and best mix-in absorption before dressing. – Toast 2/3 cup walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring until fragrant; cool to keep the salad crisp and nutty instead of oily. – Whisk dressing: 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until silky and emulsified. – Dice 1 medium crisp apple, chop 1/2 cup celery, and mince 1/3 cup red onion; optionally halve 1 cup grapes for a Waldorf-style finish before combining. – Fold chicken, walnuts, apples, celery, onion, and optional grapes with dressing until evenly coated; chill 30 minutes for flavors to meld and texture to set.

Pro Tips for Success with Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

• Use cold, fully cooled chicken; warm pieces thin the dressing and dull the creamy mouthfeel and seasoning balance in chicken salad. – Choose Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples; their crispness resists sogginess and keeps the bite lively in a creamy salad base. – Season in layers—salt the chicken lightly, season the dressing, and finish with a pinch after mixing to hit the perfect savory-sweet balance. – Toast nuts every time; toasting deepens flavor and keeps them crisp, which offsets creamy dressing for contrast and longevity. – Add acid to taste; a splash of vinegar or lemon brightens, helps preservation marginally, and keeps apples from browning quickly.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

• Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3–4 days; this follows USDA guidance for cooked chicken held at or below 40°F in the fridge. – Keep it out of the “Danger Zone” (40°F–140°F); limit room-temperature exposure to under 2 hours, especially for picnics or lunchboxes. – Do not freeze mayo-heavy chicken salad; thawing breaks the emulsion and turns the texture watery and grainy, reducing quality. – For make-ahead freshness, store dressing and mix-ins separately; combine right before serving to protect crunch and color in apples and celery. – Reheating isn’t recommended for creamy chicken salad; serve chilled or at cool room temperature and use fresh bread, lettuce cups, or croissants instead.

What to Serve With This Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

• Serve in croissants, on toasted sourdough, tucked into pita pockets, or spooned into crisp lettuce cups for fresh crunch and buttery contrast. – Pair with sides like kettle chips, tomato soup, cucumber salad, or a bright green salad to balance the creamy richness and add variety to the plate. – Build a grazing board with crackers, pickles, fresh veggies, and cheese for an easy lunch spread or picnic-friendly meal with multiple textures.

FAQs for Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

• Can Greek yogurt replace mayo? Yes—swap some or all for a lighter, tangier dressing with extra protein and a clean finish in each bite. – How long does it keep? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days; keep below 40°F and limit room-temp time to under 2 hours for safety. – Best apples to use? Choose Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji to keep the crunch and sweetness steady in a creamy dressing base. – What if nuts aren’t an option? Use toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for similar crunch without allergens while keeping texture lively. – Can grapes go in this? Yes—halved red or green grapes add classic Waldorf vibes and a juicy pop that complements apples and walnuts.

Nutrition Information (per serving) for Creamy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad

• Estimated per 1 cup: 260–350 calories, 20–28 g protein, 10–22 g fat, 6–16 g carbs depending on mayo vs yogurt and optional add-ins. – Typical restaurant-style chicken salad lands around 350 calories with 24 g fat, 8 g carbs, and 26 g protein per serving as a comparison point. – Using Greek yogurt reduces calories and saturated fat, while walnuts add heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats and crunch for balance and satisfaction.

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