Apple Chicken Salad Recipe

Apple Chicken Salad, the BEST chicken salad with loads of fresh apple, nuts, cheese, and a maple dijon dressing. This chicken salad with apples is quick and easy to make!

(For your shopping convenience, this post contains affiliate links.)

This Apple Chicken Salad, is an easy recipe perfect for a quick fall lunch or dinner! It’s also a great way to use leftover precooked chicken (or use a rotisserie chicken) you may have around, or that just me who always seems to have leftover chicken? 

I’ve been making this Apple Chicken Salad recipe for years! I typically just throw in whatever we have around the house. It’s so easy that all you do is just mix all the ingredients in one bowl. There are so many substitute possibilities too with this Apple Chicken Salad, that I couldn’t possibly list them all, but I do have a few quick ones.

Instead of apples, you could use pears or chopped grapes.

Instead of walnuts, use your favorite nuts such as pecans or omit the nuts entirely if you have a food allergy concern.

Use any kind of shredded cheese, although I think cheddar works best.

Instead of maple syrup use honey or your favorite sugar substitute. To start though, I suggest trying the recipe as written before you start trying some substitutes.

One thing I love about this Apple Chicken Salad is that is also makes great sandwiches or sliders. And even better yet, it makes AWESOME grilled sandwiches thanks to the shredded cheese. Put some of the chicken salad between 2 slices of bread that have been buttered and grill in a pan. So delicious! The cheese melts and gets gooey, and the nuts and apple stay nice and crisp. Love it!

The chicken salad is naturally gluten free, but if gluten is a concern, be sure to use gluten free bread if making a sandwich.

Please note that you can make this salad ahead BUT stir the nuts in before serving. If the nuts stay in the fridge too long with the dressing they will get soggy and not have the same crunch. Hope you enjoy!

Hope you enjoy this chicken salad with apples!

Print Pin it!

5 from 1 vote

Apple Chicken Salad Recipe

Apple Chicken Salad, an easy chicken salad recipe with fresh apples, nuts, cheese, and a quick mustard and maple dressing.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 3 cups (serves 2)

Author Lisa Huff - Snappy Gourmet

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 cup chopped precooked chicken
• 1 cup peeled cored, & chopped apple
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, maple syrup, mustard, dill, and salt and pepper until well combined.
• Add chicken, apple, walnuts, and cheese to bowl, and stir to combine.

Notes

SNAPPY TIPS: You can use leftover precooked chicken, or use a rotisserie chicken. The chicken salad can be made ahead of time but stir in nuts right before serving so they don't get soggy. The salad makes great grilled sandwiches!

SNAPPY SUBSTITUTIONS: Instead of walnuts, you could use your favorite nut such as pecans. Instead of white cheddar you could use Monterrey jack cheese. Instead of maple syrup you could use honey. You can use light or regular mayonnaise.

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keywords: fall chicken salad, healthy chicken dish

Did you try this recipe?Tag @SnappyGourmet or #SnappyGourmet!

Other chicken salad recipes you may enjoy:

• Ranch Chicken Club Salad Sliders – Snappy Gourmet
• Thai Chicken Salad – Show Me the Yummy
• Light Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad – Dinner, Then Dessert
• Mediterranean Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad – Food Faith Fitness
• Buffalo Chicken Salad – Recipe Runner