Name: Chicken Salad alongside Apples
Yield: 4

Chicken Salad with Apples combines tender rotisserie chicken, crisp apples, and a creamy dressing for the ultimate sandwich filling!

Try some of a reliable variations like this classic Chicken Salad Recipe, Pesto Chicken Salad, or Curry Chicken Salad.

Chicken Salad with Apples

Our apple trees are producing more than ever before, so I’m all about apple recipes right now! I’ve nailed a new Apple Cobbler, made Apple Crumble a few times, and of course, my husband’s favorite Apple Pie. Oh, and I’ve made plenty of Applesauce too!

Naturally, I’m using apples in this chicken salad—it’s so good! If you’ve tried chicken salad with grapes (like my healthy version), you’ll love this combo just as much!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Salad with Apples:

Rotisserie chicken: Use a warm, freshly bought rotisserie chicken for straightforward shredding—herb-seasoned if you can!
Almonds: Toast them in a pan or use pre-toasted ones for more flavor.
Cranberries: Choose unsweetened for less sweetness. I also love adding dried tart cherries.
Apples: Honeycrisp is a reliable for a good crunch and sweetness.
Green onions: Slice thinly or skip if you don’t like them.
Mayo: Use full-fat for creaminess or low-fat if you prefer.
Sour cream: Choose light or fat-free based on your preference.
Honey: Swap with sugar if needed.
Apple cider vinegar: This adds a nice tang! Shake well before using.
Dijon mustard: Adds depth; adjust to your taste for more or less zing.

Two mixing bowls, one with dressing ingredients being whisked together, and the other with diced chicken and apple ingredients being combined.

How To Make Chicken Salad With Apples

Prep dressing: Whisk together the dressing and add salt and pepper.
Combine salad: Mix chicken, almonds, cranberries/cherries, apples, and green onions in a bowl.
Add dressing: Toss the salad with the dressing, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
Serve: Enjoy as is or check my serving ideas below.

How To Serve Chicken Salad With Apples

Sandwiches: Spread on multigrain bread or a croissant.
On apples: Thinly slice apples, core with a piping tip, and top with cheese, microgreens, and chicken salad.
Lettuce wraps: Scoop into lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
On greens: Serve over mixed salad greens.
With crackers: Pair with crackers for a snack or light lunch.
Stuffed avocados: Fill avocado halves with chicken salad.
In a wrap: Roll in a tortilla with crunchy veggies.
As a dip: Serve with veggie sticks for dipping.

Dressing being poured over chicken and mixed together.

Recipe Tips

Chicken: Use any leftover chicken, just dice it up small.
Apples: Try different kinds—Granny Smith for tart, Gala for sweet.
Nuts: Swap almonds for pecans, pistachios, or walnuts. Toast if you can!
Dressing: Adjust to taste—more mayo for creaminess, or a squeeze of lemon for freshness.
Herbs: Toss in parsley, dill, or rosemary for extra flavor.
Chill: Refrigerate for a few hours to boost the flavors.