Lunch is going to be amazing with this apple walnut chicken salad! A refreshing, creamy, and crunchy dish featuring diced chicken, tart apples, crunchy walnuts, onion, celery, and tangy dried blueberries! It offers a balanced sweet-savory flavor that is tossed in a simple mayonnaise and spice dressing. Chicken salads are my jam! Try some of my others like this Dill Pickle Turkey (or chicken) Salad or this Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick and convenient: making it ideal for busy days, this salad comes together in roughly 20 minutes, particularly if you use leftover or rotisserie chicken.
It’s Paleo and Whole30: Having no gluten, grains, or dairy, it is the perfect dish if you need to keep it Paleo or Whole30 friendly.
Ingredients You Will Need
Chicken breast: is a lean cut of meat from the chicken that can be baked, grilled or poached and is so versatile. I like Grass Roots for all my meat purchases.
Red onion: adds a crunchy texture and bold flavor, elevating salads with its zesty kick.
Celery: is a nutrient rich, low calorie food and adds a delightful crunch to this salad.
Granny Smith apple: have a light green skin and are firm and juicy. They have a tart, acidic like flavor and they do not brown quickly once cut.
Walnuts: are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants that can help lower heart disease and boost your brain function.
Dried blueberries: are ripe blueberries that have had their moisture removed to create a sweet, chewy, snack often used in baking and salads.
Avocado oil mayonnaise: offers a unique creamy texture and a healthier fat profile.
Salt and black pepper: salt enhances and balances flavors. Meanwhile, ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.
Thyme: is a pungent herb that adds a depth of flavor.
Instructions
In a small bowl: mix the mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, and thyme together.
In a large bowl: add the diced chicken, diced apples, diced onion, diced celery, and chopped walnuts.
Add the mayonnaise mixture: and mix well.
Stir in the blueberries: gently with a rubber spatula.
Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Meal Prep Friendly: The flavors tend to meld and improve over time, making it perfect to make at the start of the week for quick lunches.
Texture Balance: Finely chop celery for crunch, but keep chicken in larger, tender chunks.
Recipe Variations
Dried cranberries: are a perfect substitution for the dried blueberries.
Greek yogurt: works well in place of the avocado mayonnaise. Keep in mind it will not be Paleo or Whole30 friendly if you choose greek yogurt.
Pecans: are an excellent choice in place of the walnuts.
Honey Crisp apples: are a great alternative to the Granny Smith apples.
Storage Tips
You can store this apple walnut chicken salad for up to 5 days in the fridge when placed in an airtight glass container.
FAQ’s About Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
Can I freeze it?
No, freezing causes the dressing to separate and become watery.
Best serving methods?
Serve on top of greens, in lettuce cups, in croissants, or with crackers.
What if I don’t have apples?
Use grapes, cut in half, for a similar, sweet crunch.
Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, and thyme together.
- In a large bowl, add the diced chicken, diced apples, diced celery, diced onion, and chopped walnuts.
- Add the mayonnaise mixture into the chicken salad and stir to coat well.
- Gently stir in the blueberries with a rubber spatula.
- Enjoy!
