If you’re looking to shake up your lunch rotation with something both vibrant and comforting, Roasted Apple Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to. Tender chicken, caramelized apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet-tart cranberries all come together in a creamy yet tangy dressing that will have you wondering how a salad could possibly taste this unforgettable. This recipe has it all: bold flavors, wonderful textures, and a freshness that keeps you coming back for another bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving a crowd, Roasted Apple Chicken Salad always brings a sunny pop of flavor to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Apple Chicken Salad comes together with a handful of ingredients that each play a starring role. From juicy apples to savory chicken, every component adds depth, color, and delicious character to the final dish.
- Apples: Use crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji; they hold up beautifully to roasting and add a pop of freshness.
- Olive oil: A drizzle helps the apples caramelize and turn golden in the oven.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkling cinnamon over the apples creates warmth and sweetness that pairs so well with chicken.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors without overpowering the apples’ natural sweetness.
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but freshly cooked and shredded chicken also delivers unbeatable tenderness.
- Greek yogurt: This creamy base keeps things light and adds a welcome tang to the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: A couple spoonfuls make the salad extra rich and smooth without being heavy.
- Apple cider vinegar: For brightness and a zingy acidity that lifts all the other flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon brings mild heat and heaps of character to the mix.
- Black pepper: A bit of pepper gives the whole salad a subtle, balancing kick.
- Celery: For unmistakable crunch and a burst of garden-fresh flavor in every bite.
- Walnuts: They add earthiness, richness, and a lovely crunch; toast them for even more flavor.
- Dried cranberries: A touch of chewy sweetness that makes every forkful a little more interesting.
- Green onions: These add brightness and a subtle, savory lift at the very end.
How to Make Roasted Apple Chicken Salad
Step 1: Roast the Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss your sliced apples with a bit of olive oil, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, making sure every slice is lightly coated. Spread the apples in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for apples that are tender and starting to caramelize around the edges, which gives the Roasted Apple Chicken Salad its signature sweetness and complexity. Let them cool before chopping them into bite-sized pieces—you want those juices to settle in!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
While the apples cool, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. This dreamy combination makes a tangy, slightly creamy dressing that softly binds all your salad components without being too heavy. Taste and adjust as needed; it should be flavorful enough to stand up to the rest of the salad!
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Now, add the cooked chicken breast, crisp celery, chopped walnuts, tart dried cranberries, cheerful green onions, and finally those irresistible roasted apples to the bowl. Fold everything together gently, making sure every piece is cloaked in that luscious dressing. The mix of textures—crunchy, chewy, creamy, savory, and sweet—is what makes this Roasted Apple Chicken Salad soar above the rest.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover your bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and the dressing to really settle into each ingredient. When you’re ready, give it a gentle stir and serve immediately—tasting a little bit of everything in every forkful!
How to Serve Roasted Apple Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkle on a few extra chopped walnuts, a handful of fresh green onions, or even a dusting of cinnamon just before serving. These finishing touches add a little extra crunch and color, making your Roasted Apple Chicken Salad even more inviting. For a pop of brightness, you might also add minced fresh parsley or a few thin apple slices right on top.
Side Dishes
This salad feels complete all on its own, but it’s also wonderful paired with simple sides. Try serving it alongside a bowl of vegetable soup, crisp romaine or spinach salad, or some whole grain crackers for scooping. A lightly toasted slice of sourdough or a bed of mixed greens make the Roasted Apple Chicken Salad feel like a bistro-level lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Roasted Apple Chicken Salad into party-ready appetizers by scooping it into endive leaves or mini lettuce cups. It’s also delicious piled onto toasted crostini for an easy canapé. For a fun twist, fill hollowed-out apple halves or bell peppers for a showstopping centerpiece at your next brunch or potluck. Any way you serve it, this salad is always a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Apple Chicken Salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator, lasting up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as the salad sits, making next-day lunches even more satisfying. Just remember to give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze the salad, the texture of apples, celery, and the creamy dressing may suffer when thawed. If you’re planning to meal-prep, freeze just the roasted apples and cooked chicken separately, then stir them into the fresh dressing and add-ins when ready to eat for best results.
Reheating
Roasted Apple Chicken Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve just pulled it out of the fridge, let it sit for about 10 minutes to take off the chill and highlight all the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This salad is just as tasty with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even roasted chickpeas if you want to keep things vegetarian. Just keep the protein bite-sized and mild enough to let the apples and dressing shine.
Which types of apples work best for Roasted Apple Chicken Salad?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady are ideal for roasting. They hold their shape and bring both sweetness and acidity to balance the savory elements of the salad.
Can I make the dressing dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a thick, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or simply increase the amount of mayonnaise. Plant-based options work well and still deliver that luscious, creamy texture.
How can I make this salad even lighter?
For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise for extra Greek yogurt or use light mayo. Serve the salad in lettuce cups or on top of mixed greens instead of bread for a lower-carb option that’s still completely satisfying.
Is Roasted Apple Chicken Salad gluten-free?
It is! All the ingredients in the salad are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure any bread or crackers you serve it with are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after an inspired lunch, a make-ahead meal, or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, Roasted Apple Chicken Salad fits the bill perfectly. With its lively flavors and cozy textures, it’s one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try, and soon you’ll find yourself craving that magical mix of roasted apples, juicy chicken, and creamy dressing all season long!
Print
Roasted Apple Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Apple Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Tender roasted apples, crunchy walnuts, sweet cranberries, and savory chicken are tossed in a creamy dressing for a delicious salad that’s great for any occasion.
Ingredients
Roasted Apples:
- 2 medium apples (cored and sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Roast the Apples: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss apple slices with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt. Roast for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Add chicken, celery, walnuts, cranberries, green onions, and roasted apples. Mix to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Chill for 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own, in lettuce wraps, or with whole grain bread or crackers.
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