Zesty Chicken Apple Walnut Salad Recipe for Fresh Taste Fans

Crisp autumn days call for a delightful chicken apple walnut salad that brings together contrasting textures and flavors in one irresistible dish.

Tender chicken mixes beautifully with sweet apple chunks and crunchy walnuts, creating a symphony of tastes in each bite.

The combination of savory and sweet elements makes this salad a perfect lunch or light dinner option.

Juicy apples add a refreshing crunch that complements the protein-rich chicken and earthy walnuts.

A simple vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together, enhancing the natural flavors of each component.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top provide an extra layer of aromatic brightness to the salad.

You’ll love how this simple yet elegant dish comes together in just minutes, promising a satisfying and nutritious meal that will keep you coming back for more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 367 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need for Chicken Apple Walnut Salad

• Spinach or Spring Mix: Provides a nutrient-packed, tender base with vibrant green color and delicate texture.
• Celery: Adds crisp crunch and subtle peppery flavor to enhance the salad's freshness.
• Red Onion: Delivers a sharp, zippy bite that complements the sweeter ingredients.

• Grilled Chicken Breast: Lean protein that gives the salad substantial body and satisfying richness.
• Apple: Brings sweet-tart crispness and juicy texture that pairs perfectly with chicken.
• Red Seedless Grapes: Contribute bursting sweetness and elegant pop of color to the salad.

• Candied Walnuts: Provide caramelized sweetness and irresistible nutty crunch.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Creates tangy, bright foundation for the vinaigrette.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds robust, slightly spicy undertone that balances the dressing.
• Honey or Agave: Introduces smooth, natural sweetness to round out the vinaigrette.
• Apple Sauce: Enhances fruity notes and helps create silky dressing consistency.
• Canola Oil: Ensures smooth, emulsified texture for the vinaigrette.
• Shallot: Delivers delicate, sophisticated onion flavor to the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Elevate and harmonize all the salad's flavor profiles.

Tools to Toss a Great Chicken Apple Walnut Salad

• Large bowl or plate: Essential for mixing and serving the salad.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Food processor or blender: Optional tool for creating a creamy dressing.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping fresh ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for slicing chicken, apples, grapes, and vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for precise dressing ingredient amounts.

Building Chicken Apple Walnut Salad Step by Step

• Leafy Foundation

Spread a vibrant bed of fresh greens across your favorite serving plate, creating a colorful canvas for the salad.

• Flavor Companions

Scatter tender chicken pieces, crisp apple slices, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, zesty red onion, and caramelized walnuts across the greens to build layers of texture and taste.

• Creamy Connection

Blend the dressing ingredients into a smooth, silky sauce that will tie all the ingredients together with a harmonious burst of flavor.

• Final Flourish

Gently cascade the dressing over the salad, allowing it to dance across the ingredients, and serve the dish immediately to capture its peak freshness and appeal.

Tips to Balance Crunch and Sweetness in the Salad

• Swap candied walnuts with toasted pecans or sliced almonds for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives over the salad to enhance the aromatic experience and add a vibrant green touch.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey breast, or crispy tofu for a versatile protein option that keeps the salad exciting and adaptable.
• Experiment with honey mustard, poppy seed, or Greek yogurt-based dressings to transform the flavor without losing the salad's core essence. Each variation brings a unique tang and character to the dish.

Serving Chicken Apple Walnut Salad with Style

• Refreshing Lunch Companion: Pair this vibrant salad with a crisp glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the fruity and nutty flavors.
• Elegant Presentation Trick: Serve the salad on a chilled plate to keep ingredients crisp and add a touch of sophistication to your dining experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Sprinkle extra grilled chicken or crumbled goat cheese on top for those wanting additional protein and a creamy texture contrast.
• Texture Adventure: Garnish with extra candied walnuts and fresh herb sprigs like parsley or chives to add crunch and a pop of color to the salad.

Storing Leftovers of This Fall-Inspired Salad

• Smart Batch Prep: Chop chicken, apples, and veggies ahead of time and store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping ingredients crisp and ready for quick assembly.
• Dressing Durability: Mix the salad dressing in advance and refrigerate in a sealed jar for 5-7 days, giving you a convenient flavor boost without daily preparation.
• Walnut Wisdom: Store candied walnuts in a cool, dry container with a tight lid to maintain crunchiness for up to two weeks, preventing moisture from making them soggy.
• Salad Strategy: When serving, add dressing just before eating to prevent greens from wilting and maintain the perfect texture and freshness of all ingredients.

Crispy Chicken Apple Walnut Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Light summer salads find perfection in this chicken apple walnut salad, blending sweet and savory notes with crisp textures. Refreshing ingredients from Mediterranean cuisine combine elegantly, offering you a delightful meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary curiosity.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 cups (590 ml) spinach or spring mix greens
• 0.5 cup (118 ml) grilled chicken breast, cubed
• 0.5 cup (118 ml) apple, cubed
• 0.5 cup (118 ml) red seedless grapes, sliced in half
• 0.33 cup (79 ml) candied walnuts
• 1 stalk celery, sliced
• 1 tbsp red onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 0.25 cup (59 ml) canola oil
• 2 tbsps honey or agave
• 2 tbsps apple sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 shallot, minced
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare Greens: Create a lush, vibrant base using mixed salad greens spread evenly across a large serving platter.
2. Add Protein Layer: Arrange grilled chicken breast slices atop the greens, creating a substantial and appetizing foundation.
3. Incorporate Fresh Elements: Distribute diced apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, and delicate red onion rings across the salad surface to introduce varied textures and flavors.
4. Enhance with Crunch: Generously sprinkle candied walnuts throughout the salad, adding a delightful sweet-nutty crispness.
5. Craft Dressing: Blend olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl or food processor until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Finish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad moments before serving, ensuring an even coating that complements the ingredients’ natural flavors while maintaining the greens’ crisp texture.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Preparation: Grill or pan-sear chicken at medium-high heat to lock in moisture and create delicious caramelized edges for enhanced flavor profile.
• Master Fruit Selection: Choose crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to provide balanced acidity and prevent browning by tossing in lemon juice.
• Elevate Walnut Crunch: Toast walnuts briefly in a dry skillet to intensify nutty flavors and create a more robust, deeper taste before candying.
• Dressing Emulsion Trick: Whisk dressing ingredients gradually and consistently to prevent separation, ensuring a smooth, well-integrated vinaigrette that coats salad ingredients evenly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg