Apple and Walnut Chicken Salad: A Perfect Blend of Sweet, Crunchy, and Savory
When it comes to salads that pack a punch of flavor and texture, the Apple and Walnut Chicken Salad is a standout. Combining the sweetness of apples, the crunch of walnuts, the tanginess of dried cranberries, and the savoriness of grilled chicken, this salad is a true delight for your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love Apple and Walnut Chicken Salad
🍎 Sweet and Tangy Flavors
The crisp apples and dried cranberries bring a delightful sweetness balanced by the tangy vinaigrette.
🌰 Crunchy Texture
Toasted walnuts add the perfect crunch to every bite, making this salad irresistibly satisfying.
🍗 Protein-Packed
Grilled chicken makes this salad hearty enough to stand as a main dish, keeping you full and energized.
🥗 Fresh and Wholesome
Packed with greens, fresh fruit, and wholesome ingredients, this salad is as nutritious as it is flavorful.
🕒 Quick and Easy
Ready in under 20 minutes, this salad is a go-to for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients for Apple and Walnut Chicken Salad
For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or lettuce) 🥬
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded 🍗
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness) 🍎
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts 🌰
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries 🍒
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese 🧀
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 🍏
- 1 teaspoon honey 🍯
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions for Apple and Walnut Chicken Salad

1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Thinly slice the apple and toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Slice or shred the cooked chicken.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base. Arrange the chicken, apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese on top.
4️⃣ Add the Dressing
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to bruise the greens or crush the apples.
5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates. Serve immediately, and enjoy this fresh, flavorful, and healthy dish! 🥗
Tips for the Best Apple and Walnut Chicken Salad
🌟 Choose the Right Apples
For a sweeter salad, go with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. For a tangy flavor, Granny Smith apples work wonderfully.
🌰 Toast the Walnuts
Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and gives them a delightful crunch. Don’t skip this step!
🍯 Adjust the Dressing
For a sweeter dressing, add a touch more honey. For extra tanginess, increase the apple cider vinegar.
🥗 Customize Your Salad
This salad is highly versatile—add pear slices, pomegranate seeds, or avocado for a unique twist.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra walnuts or chickpeas for protein.
- Make It a Wrap: Use the salad as a filling for whole-grain wraps or pita bread for an easy-to-eat meal.
- Add More Texture: Sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for an added crunch.
Why This Salad is a Winner
The Apple and Walnut Chicken Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. The sweetness of apples, the crunch of walnuts, the tanginess of cranberries, and the savory goodness of chicken come together to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.
Perfect for any occasion, this salad is quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy a refreshing meal that’s both light and hearty.

Apple and Walnut Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed greens baby spinach, arugula, or lettuce 🥬
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast sliced or shredded 🍗
- 1 medium apple thinly sliced (Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness) 🍎
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts 🌰
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries 🍒
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese 🧀
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 🍏
- 1 teaspoon honey 🍯
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and dry the mixed greens. Thinly slice the apple and toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Slice or shred the cooked chicken.
- 2️⃣ Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- 3️⃣ Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens as the base. Top with the sliced chicken, apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
- 4️⃣ Add the Dressing:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly.
- 5️⃣ Serve:
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish!