This Harvest Chicken Salad with Apples has everything you love about classic chicken salad but with a twist! Perfect for fall, this salad is loaded with tender chicken, crisp apples, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. Enjoy it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or try my personal favorite — served with fresh apple slices for an extra burst of flavor and crunch!
Looking for more chicken salad recipes to make for lunch? Give my Curry Chicken Salad or Southwest Chicken Salad a try!
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Chicken Harvest Salad with apples
I absolutely love how this Harvest Chicken Salad brings together so many amazing textures and flavors! You’ve got the creaminess from the mayonnaise and sour cream base and the crunchiness from diced apples and nuts. The cranberries add a hint of sweetness, while the mustard and vinegar add just a bit of zip to keep things interesting. It’s an irresistible combination!
It’s everything you love about chicken salad but with a Fall twist!
ingredients needed
- Shredded Chicken: Use pre-cooked, shredded chicken for convenience. Rotisserie chicken works great!
- Mayonnaise: Gives the salad its rich, creamy texture.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and also a subtle tangy flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of sharpness to balance the creamy dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: For a subtle tang that brings all the flavors together.
- Red Onion: Adds crunch and a bit of zing.
- Celery: Adds crunch and freshness to the salad.
- Walnuts or Pecans: Use either kind of nut or a combination of both for nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Apple: Diced apples bring sweetness and a refreshing crisp texture. Any firm, sweet apple like Honeycrisp works well!
- Dried Cranberries: For a pop of sweetness and color.
- Salt & Pepper: To season to taste.
- Apple Slices (for serving): A fun, fresh way to enjoy this salad with extra crunch!
How to Make harvest Chicken Salad
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, red onion, celery, nuts, diced apple, and cranberries to a large mixing bowl.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, then toss everything together until evenly combined.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve the chicken salad on apple slices, in sandwiches, or on a wrap. Enjoy!
tips for success
- Use crisp, fresh apples. Pick apples that are firm and crunchy, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, to add the perfect texture to your salad. Their natural sweetness will also complement the savory flavors.
- Use shredded chicken for the best texture. Shredding the chicken helps it absorb the dressing better and gives the salad a light, airy texture. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience!
- Chill the salad before serving. If you have time, this salad tastes even better after it’s been chilled! Let the chicken salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this chicken salad actually gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will this salad keep?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the chicken salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Just be sure to stir it before serving as the dressing may settle a bit.
Can I use greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream if you want a tangier flavor and a bit of extra protein. It’s a great option for a healthier twist.
More easy lunch recipes to try
Harvest Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, diced
- 1/4 cup apple, diced
- 1/4 cup cranberries
- salt and pepper
- apple slices for serving
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve in sandwiches, on wraps or my favorite apple slices (gives the perfect crunch!)
Nutrition Information
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