This Chicken and Apple Salad is a refreshing blend of crisp apples, tender chicken, and crunchy walnuts, tossed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
Packed with lean protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, it’s a nutrient-rich option for any meal.
Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy lunchboxes, or light, satisfying dinners.
Chicken & Apple Salad
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 small mixing container or mason jar (for dressing)
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
Salad:
- 10 oz mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded or chopped
- 1 medium green apple diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
- 1 small shallot finely diced
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
Vinaigrette:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens Base: Begin by taking your mixed greens or baby spinach and gently rinsing them under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water or use a salad spinner to dry them thoroughly. Place the greens in a large mixing bowl, creating a fresh and crisp foundation for your salad.
- Add the Chicken Protein: Next, take your cooked chicken—rotisserie, poached, or baked—and either shred it with two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Evenly distribute the chicken over the bed of greens, ensuring each bite of salad will have a good balance of protein. This step adds a hearty and satisfying element to the salad.
- Incorporate the Apples: Take your green apple and carefully remove the core. Dice the apple into small, uniform cubes so that every forkful has a sweet, crunchy surprise. Gently fold the apple cubes into the salad bowl, taking care not to bruise or mash them. The apple adds natural sweetness and a refreshing crisp texture.
- Add Sweet and Nutty Accents: Sprinkle in the dried cranberries, which provide a chewy sweetness that complements the savory chicken. Then, add the chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture and healthy fats. Finally, finely dice the shallot and scatter it evenly across the salad. These layers of flavor build complexity and a satisfying mix of textures.
- Incorporate Blue Cheese Crumbles: Measure out your blue cheese crumbles and sprinkle them evenly over the salad. The creamy, tangy flavor of the cheese balances the sweetness of the apples and cranberries, creating a harmonious taste in every bite.
- Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small mixing container or mason jar, combine ¼ cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette, one minced garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the ingredients are fully emulsified. This homemade dressing is quick, easy, and flavorful.
- Dress the Salad: Slowly drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring even coverage. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients with the dressing without bruising the delicate greens or apples. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates or bowls. The Chicken and Apple Salad is best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crispness of the greens and apples. Pair it with a light soup, whole-grain bread, or enjoy as a standalone meal.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to keep a crisp texture.
- Lightly toast walnuts to enhance their nutty aroma and crunch.
- Make the vinaigrette in a mason jar for quick, easy mixing.
- Add honey or maple syrup to the dressing for a slightly sweeter flavor if desired.
- Gently fold ingredients to avoid bruising the greens or apples.
- Perfect for meal prep; keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Chef’s Secrets: Insider Tips For Flavor
To achieve the best flavor balance, always prepare the vinaigrette fresh and whisk or shake it thoroughly before dressing the salad.
This ensures the olive oil and balsamic vinegar emulsify properly, coating every ingredient evenly.
For extra depth, marinate the chicken briefly in a small amount of vinaigrette before assembling the salad.
Using a mix of baby spinach and hearty greens creates both texture and visual appeal, while adding the apples just before serving preserves their crispness.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional toppings like pecans, roasted pumpkin seeds, or dried cherries to tailor the salad to your taste.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Presentation Ideas
This salad shines when served chilled or at room temperature.
It pairs beautifully with a light soup, crusty whole-grain bread, or a simple side of roasted vegetables.
For meal prep, divide the salad into containers but keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to eat to maintain crispness.
For gatherings, serve in a large, shallow bowl to show off the colorful layers of apple, chicken, and nuts.
Garnishing with extra blue cheese crumbles or a few sprigs of fresh herbs adds a restaurant-quality touch.
Storage Tips: Maintaining Freshness Longer
To store this salad, keep the greens, chicken, and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
If the salad has been dressed, it is best consumed immediately as the apples and greens will soften over time.
For the vinaigrette, store it separately in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, shaking well before use.
Toasted nuts can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their crunch.
Cutting apples just before serving or storing them briefly in a lemon water solution prevents browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for a tart crunch, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Choose firm apples to avoid a mushy texture.
2. What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or poached chicken all work perfectly. Shredded or bite-sized pieces ensure the salad is easy to eat and evenly balanced.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to keep the vinaigrette separate until serving to maintain the crispness of the apples and greens.
4. Are there any good substitutes for blue cheese?
Absolutely. Feta, goat cheese, or even a mild shredded cheddar can replace blue cheese while keeping a creamy, tangy element.
5. How can I make this salad more filling?
Add extra protein such as hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or quinoa. You can also serve it alongside whole-grain bread or a light soup to make a complete, satisfying meal.
