Shredded Chicken Salad with Apple and Walnuts

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

A light, refreshing salad with tender chicken, sweet apple, and crunchy walnuts in a citrus dressing. This american-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs shredded cooked chicken, medium, diced apple, chopped walnuts into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 medium diced apple, and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over chicken mixture and toss until evenly coated; add 3 cups mixed greens and gently toss to combine without breaking the greens.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shredded Chicken Salad with Apple and Walnuts take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (25 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 Shredded Chicken Salad with Apple and 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 shredded cooked chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shredded Chicken Salad with Apple and 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 Shredded Chicken Salad with Apple and 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 Shredded Chicken Salad with Apple and Walnuts?

American salads 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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