Apple-Infused Chicken Salad with Walnuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing chicken salad featuring crisp apples and crunchy walnuts, tossed in a tangy yogurt dressing. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 15 minutes pairs cooked chicken breast, apple, celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast, 1 large diced apple with skin, 2 thinly sliced celery stalks, and 1/2 cup toasted and chopped walnuts.
  2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Fold in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
  4. Step 4: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Apple-Infused Chicken Salad with Walnuts take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Apple-Infused Chicken Salad with Walnuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Apple-Infused Chicken Salad with Walnuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Apple-Infused Chicken Salad with Walnuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Apple-Infused Chicken Salad with Walnuts?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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