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Chicken salad with apples and walnuts
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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 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 300kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, diced into small chunks
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 25 seedless red grapes, halved
  • 2 cups chopped walnuts, or to taste
  • ½ cup vanilla yogurt
  • 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 5 tablespoons creamy salad dressing such as Miracle Whip®
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard optional, for a subtle tangy depth
  • 1 teaspoon honey optional, 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.