Chicken salad with apples and walnuts - Gourmet And Food
As someone who spends a fair amount of time in the kitchen experimenting with flavors, I can confidently say that chicken salad is a true classic. Recently, I stumbled upon a twist that had me singing its praises: chicken salad with apples and walnuts.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword Chicken salad with apples and walnuts
Prep Time 25 minutesminutes
Total Time 25 minutesminutes
Servings 12
Calories 300kcal
Ingredients
4cookedchicken breasts, shredded
3tablespoonsfresh lemon juice
2mediumGranny Smith apples, diced into small chunks
½red onion, finely chopped
3stalkscelery, chopped
25seedlessred grapes, halved
2cupschopped walnuts, or to taste
½cupvanilla yogurt
5tablespoonsmayonnaise
5tablespoonscreamy salad dressingsuch as Miracle Whip®
½teaspoonDijon mustardoptional, for a subtle tangy depth
1teaspoonhoneyoptional, to balance flavors with a touch of sweetness
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by ensuring all your ingredients are at the ready. Having everything chopped and measured will make your life a lot easier. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
I often use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you decide to bake the chicken, season it with your favorite spices for extra flavor.
Step 2: Chop the Apples and Grapes
Next, you’ll want to wash and chop the apples into small chunks. I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances nicely with the sweetness of the grapes. Halve the grapes and set them aside.
Step 3: Get the Vegetables Ready
Chop your celery and red onion. The celery gives a satisfying crunch while the onion adds zest. You can adjust the amount of onion per your taste. If you like a milder flavor, opt for green onions instead.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped apples, celery, red onion, and halved grapes. Add the walnuts at this stage, mixing gently to avoid breaking them too much.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, yogurt, creamy salad dressing, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard if you're using it. This mixture should be creamy but well-balanced, so don’t hesitate to adjust according to your preferences. A touch of honey adds a delightful sweetness.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold it together until everything is coated.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Once everything is mixed, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling lets the flavors develop further. Serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or enjoy it straight from the bowl.
Notes
Use Leftovers – This salad is perfect for using leftover chicken or turkey. Just shred and toss!
Experiment with Apples – Different types of apples can change the flavor profile. Try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste.
Add Dried Fruits – Want some extra sweetness? Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins.
Spice It Up – For those who like heat, add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the mix.
Nuts and Seeds – Besides walnuts, consider adding pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds for varying flavors.