Craving a restaurant-quality chicken salad that's bursting with flavor and texture? Look no further! This mouthwatering Apple Walnut Chicken Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that brings the beloved Applebee's classic right to your kitchen. Imagine tender shredded chicken, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet grapes, all harmoniously blended in a creamy, zesty dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're planning a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- cooked chicken, shredded
- apples, diced
- walnuts, chopped
- celery, diced
- grapes, halved
- mayonnaise
- lemon juice
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, ensuring the chicken is cool and well-separated.
- Wash and dice the apples into small, uniform cubes (approximately 1/4 inch), removing the core and seeds. To prevent browning, immediately toss the apple pieces with a splash of lemon juice.
- Finely dice the celery into small, crisp pieces, providing a fresh crunch to the salad.
- Halve the grapes lengthwise, creating a delicate and visually appealing addition to the salad.
- Roughly chop the walnuts into smaller pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise with additional lemon juice, whisking until smooth and well combined.
- Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Add the diced apples, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and halved grapes to the shredded chicken in the large mixing bowl.
- Pour the prepared mayonnaise dressing over the chicken and ingredients, gently folding and mixing to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and chill thoroughly.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
- Serve chilled on a bed of fresh lettuce or as a sandwich filling, garnishing with additional chopped walnuts if desired.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience and rich flavor
- Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast
- Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise
- Always add lemon juice to apple pieces to prevent browning
- Serve on a bed of fresh greens or as a sandwich filling for versatility
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 366kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
