15-Minute Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples You’ll Crave

You know those days when you need something light, fresh, and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I make this healthy chicken salad with apples on repeat. No mayo here—just crisp apples, tender chicken, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing that comes together in about 15 minutes flat. It’s my go-to for quick lunches, picnics, or meal prep because it stays delicious in the fridge for days. The crunch of celery, the sweetness of apple, and that little kick from Dijon mustard? Trust me, this salad hits different. And the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now.

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Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples

This isn’t just another chicken salad—it’s the one you’ll crave. Here’s why:

• No mayo, no problem: Greek yogurt keeps it creamy without the heaviness (and adds a protein boost).
• Meal prep hero: Tastes even better the next day, so pack it for lunches all week.
• Crunch & sweetness: Juicy apples and celery give every bite that perfect texture contrast.
• 15-minute magic: Throw it together while your coffee brews—yes, it’s that fast.
• Endlessly adaptable: Toss in nuts, swap fruits, or add herbs—it’s your salad, your rules.

Seriously, this salad checks all the boxes: quick, healthy, and downright delicious. You’re welcome.

Ingredients for Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this fresh, no-mayo chicken salad—I bet half of these are already in your fridge. Pro tip: Use rotisserie chicken if you want to skip the cooking (I do this all the time).

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Leftovers or store-bought rotisserie work great—just tear it into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 apple, diced: Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold their texture best. No mushy apples here.
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt: Plain, full-fat gives the creamiest results, but low-fat works too.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: That tangy kick? Essential. Trust me.
• 1 celery stalk, chopped: For that refreshing crunch.
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you want milder flavor.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens everything up—freshly squeezed, please.
• 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper: Season to taste, but start here.
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional): Toasted = next-level crunch. Almonds work too.

That’s it, Simple, right? Now let’s make some magic.

How to Make Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples

This salad comes together so fast, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with soggy deli versions. Just follow these three simple steps – I promise it’s foolproof.

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Grab your biggest mixing bowl (I use my favorite speckled blue one for this) and toss in the shredded chicken, diced apple, chopped celery, and red onion. Here’s my trick: mix with your hands. It helps distribute everything evenly without smashing those tender apple pieces. If the onion seems too strong, just give it a quick rinse under cold water first – takes that sharp edge right off.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper until it’s completely smooth – no lumps. This takes about 30 seconds of vigorous stirring. Taste and adjust – sometimes I add an extra squeeze of lemon if my yogurt was particularly thick. The dressing should coat the back of a spoon nicely.

Step 3: Mix and Serve

Now pour that gorgeous dressing over your chicken mixture and gently fold everything together. Be patient – you want every bite coated, but don’t overmix or the apples will get bruised. If using walnuts, fold them in last to keep their crunch. Serve it straight away on greens, in a wrap, or my personal favorite – with a handful of crackers for scooping. The flavors get even better after 30 minutes in the fridge, if you can wait that long.

Tips for the Best Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples

Want to take your chicken salad from good to “can’t-stop-eating-it” good? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:

• Rotisserie chicken is your BFF: Saves time and adds amazing flavor—just remove the skin first.
• Toast those nuts: 2 minutes in a dry pan makes walnuts taste like gold (but watch closely—they burn fast).
• Sweet tooth? A handful of dried cranberries or golden raisins adds the perfect pop of sweetness.
• Chop everything similar size: You want perfect flavor in every bite—no giant onion chunks here.
• Let it rest: 30 minutes in the fridge lets the flavors party together beautifully.

There you go—salad secrets unlocked.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This salad is like your favorite pair of jeans – it looks good no matter how you dress it up. Here are my favorite ways to mix things up:

• Nut-free? Try sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely – still delicious.
• Not a yogurt fan? Avocado makes an amazing creamy substitute (just add extra lemon to keep it bright).
• Walnuts too bitter? Almonds or pecans bring a sweeter crunch.
• Want more sweetness? A drizzle of honey or maple syrup in the dressing is magic.
• Herb lover? Toss in fresh dill or parsley – it wakes up all the flavors.

See? The possibilities are endless. Make it yours.

Serving and Storing Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples

This chicken salad is one of those rare recipes that actually gets better after it sits. Serve it right away if you’re starving (I won’t judge), but letting it chill for at least 30 minutes makes the flavors sing. Store it in an airtight container—it’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3 days in the fridge. Pro tip: Stir it well before serving if the yogurt separates a bit. No reheating needed—this salad is perfect cold straight from the fridge (though I’ve been known to eat it standing in front of the refrigerator door at midnight).

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note – these nutritional values are estimates since ingredients can vary (like apple size or chicken fat content). But overall, this salad packs protein, keeps sugar reasonable, and delivers that good-for-you crunch without any guilt. Always check your specific ingredients if you’re tracking closely. If you are looking for other healthy options, check out this healthy quinoa salad with roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Thoughts

Did you make this healthy chicken salad with apples? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a quick note below – what tweaks did you try? Your ideas might inspire someone else. You can also find more great ideas on our Pinterest page.

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