Looking for a delicious protein-packed lunch that’s also super easy to prep? This creamy apple walnut chicken salad combines juicy rotisserie chicken, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts tossed in a Greek yogurt dressing for a delicious meal you can enjoy all week.
There’s something about a good chicken salad that just always hits. It’s simple, nourishing, and can be enjoyed in so many different ways.
This version is all about the crisp crunch from fresh apples, a touch of brightness from lemon zest, and a creamy dressing that feels light yet indulgent.
I love using rotisserie chicken because it makes the whole recipe come together in minutes and has the most delicious tender texture.
The mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise gives it the perfect balance of tang and richness, while toasted walnuts and green onions add texture and depth.
It’s the kind of meal that works for anything from quick weekday lunches, meal prep, or a cozy Sunday afternoon spread with crackers and greens.
And if you love chicken salad as much as I do, then you’ll have to check out our collection of recipes:
- Easy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
- The Best Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans & Tarragon
- High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Curry Chicken Salad with Toasted Almonds & Dried Blueberries
- Barbecue Lime Southwest Chicken Salad
- Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
- Caesar-Inspired Chicken Salad
- Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Why You’ll Love This Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
- Light yet satisfying: The mix of Greek yogurt and mayo keeps it creamy without being overly heavy.
- Crunchy and fresh: Crisp apple, celery, and walnuts add the perfect texture contrast.
- Protein-packed: Made with lean rotisserie chicken and Greek yogurt for a balanced, energizing meal with over 37 grams of protein per serving.
- Quick to make: Comes together in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.
- Perfect for meal prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Versatile: Enjoy it in lettuce wraps, on whole-grain toast, or with crackers for a quick lunch.
- Naturally gluten-free: Simple ingredients that work for a variety of dietary needs.
Looking for a chicken salad recipe with grapes? You’ll also enjoy our Best Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans & Tarragon recipe. It has a similar creamy texture with a sweet, herby twist.
Key Ingredients
- Rotisserie chicken breast: An easy source of lean protein that doesn’t require any extra cooking.
- Apple: Choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji for the best crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Walnuts: Lightly toasted to bring out their nutty aroma and add a satisfying, crunchy texture.
- Celery: Finely diced for freshness and crunch.
- Green onions: Offer a subtle, oniony punchiness without overpowering the salad.
- Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a protein boost while keeping the dressing light.
- Mayonnaise: Balances the tang of the yogurt and gives the dressing a silky texture.
- Dijon and grainy mustard: A flavorful duo that adds sharpness and depth to the creamy base.
- Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the flavors and prevents the apple from browning.
Looking for another quick make-ahead lunch idea? My Egg Salad with Tarragon & Sun-Dried Tomatoes has the same creamy, herby flavor but with a unique twist.
How to Make It
This apple walnut chicken salad comes together in one bowl with minimal prep and just a few simple steps.
Toast the walnuts
Add the walnuts to a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for a few minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool.
Make the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until creamy and smooth.
Add the salad ingredients
Stir in the diced chicken, apple, celery, green onions, and toasted walnuts.
Combine and serve
Toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if needed, then chill for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
Looking for something a little more filling? Try this Kale Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It’s a high-protein pasta salad that’s both hearty and refreshing.
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Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a leaner, high-protein option.
- Make it dairy-free: Use all mayo, no Greek yogurt, for a dairy-free version.
- Add sweetness: Mix in halved grapes or a handful of dried cranberries for additional sweetness.
- Go nut-free: Replace walnuts with roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Serving ideas: Enjoy it in lettuce wraps, on whole-grain toast, or over mixed greens for a light, refreshing meal.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store your apple walnut chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you’re prepping ahead, keep it chilled and stir before serving to refresh the texture.
For best results, pack lettuce wraps, toast, or crackers separately and add the salad just before eating.
FAQ
Yep, just make sure to drain it well and add an extra spoonful of mayo or yogurt to keep the texture creamy.
Crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji hold their texture and don’t brown as quickly.
Absolutely! This recipe tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld. It’s ideal for meal prep or make-ahead lunches.
It can be! Simply swap the Greek yogurt for additional mayo.
Healthy Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast the walnutsAdd ½ cup chopped walnuts to a dry skillet over medium heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- Make the dressingIn a large bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon grainy mustard, zest of ½ lemon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Add the remaining ingredientsStir in 3 cups diced rotisserie chicken, 1 diced apple, 2 finely diced celery stalks, 2 sliced green onions, and the toasted walnuts.
- Combine and seasonMix until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice as needed.
- Chill and serveRefrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Serve in lettuce cups, on toast, or wrapped up in a tortilla.
Nutrition
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
- Add sweetness: Mix in a handful of grapes or dried cranberries.
- Nut-free option: Swap walnuts for pumpkin or sunflower seeds
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Such a classic chicken salad recipe, but it never gets old. I love the crisp apple and celery with the tender rotisserie chicken. Plus, the addition of a generous portion of mustard and fresh lemon zest just brings it to the next level.
Love this!! I am dairy free so I used the suggestion of adding more mayo instead of yogurt. I didn’t have celery or green onions so I did a shake of onion powder and this was delicious!
So happy to hear this, Melanie! Glad you enjoyed 🙂