Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken Salad with Apples is a refreshing twist on a classic favorite, combining tender rotisserie chicken with crisp apples and tangy cranberries. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light salad.
Ingredients
- 2 breasts rotisserie chicken (finely shredded or chopped)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or more to taste)
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon (finely chopped) or ½ teaspoon dried
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
- 1 small apple (finely diced, Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
- 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken, then chop or shred the meat into bite-size pieces.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, tarragon, and salt to create the dressing.
- Step 3: Add the shredded chicken, diced apples, dried cranberries, and diced celery to the dressing. Gently toss everything to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 5: Serve chilled, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or over a bed of mixed greens.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith if you prefer less sweetness, or swap dried cranberries for golden raisins for a different flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
- If fresh tarragon isn’t available, dried works well, but use less as it’s more concentrated.
Storage
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use any cooked chicken breast or leftover chicken. Just shred or chop it finely to match the texture.
How can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the apples just before serving if you want to keep them extra crisp.
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Chicken Salad with Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Chicken Salad with Apples, combining tender rotisserie chicken with crisp celery, sweet dried cranberries, and juicy apples, all tossed in a tangy Dijon-mayonnaise dressing flavored with fresh tarragon and lemon juice. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light salad.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 breasts rotisserie chicken (finely shredded or chopped)
- 1 small apple (finely diced, preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or more to taste)
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon (finely chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken and chop or shred into bite-size pieces to ensure easy mixing and eating.
- Mix Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely chopped tarragon, and kosher salt until smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Add the shredded chicken, finely diced apples, chopped dried cranberries, and diced celery into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly without crushing the apple pieces.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly for the best taste experience.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad chilled. It’s perfect on sandwiches, wrapped in tortillas, or spooned over a bed of mixed greens for a light, nutritious meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience; leftover cooked chicken works well too.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and mustard based on your preferred creaminess and tanginess.
- Fresh tarragon can be substituted with dried, but fresh provides a brighter flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, consider using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adding nuts like toasted walnuts or pecans can add crunch and extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken salad, rotisserie chicken recipe, apple chicken salad, quick lunch, easy chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, creamy chicken salad
