Roasted Apple Chicken Salad Recipe

Juicy roasted apples, tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tangy-creamy dressing—all come together in this Roasted Apple Chicken Salad to create a salad experience that’s truly next level. Picture golden edges on the apples, the nutty crunch of pecans, and just the right balance between savory and sweet. Whether you’re meal-prepping for healthy lunches or impressing friends at brunch, this salad absolutely delivers on flavor, freshness, and a show-stopping fall vibe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every simple ingredient in Roasted Apple Chicken Salad is selected for maximum impact—bringing color, flavor, crunch, or juicy freshness to your forkful. Here’s why you’ll want every one of these components on deck before you begin.

• Apples: Roasting Honeycrisp or Fuji apples coaxes out their natural sweetness—choose firm apples that hold their shape well.
• Olive oil: A drizzle before roasting helps the apple slices caramelize and adds a subtle richness.
• Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped; use rotisserie, leftover, or poached chicken for juicy protein.
• Celery: For classic crunch and a refreshing, peppery bite that brightens the salad.
• Red onion: Adds a pop of color and a mild tang for complexity.
• Walnuts or pecans: Bring toasty, buttery crunch and a nutty, autumnal undertone.
• Plain Greek yogurt: The base for a creamy, protein-packed dressing with a light, tangy finish.
• Mayonnaise: Blends with the yogurt for richness and a classic chicken salad mouthfeel.
• Dijon mustard: Offers a touch of heat and sharpness that wakes up the dish.
• Honey: Adds beautiful, gentle sweetness (especially nice with the tart apples).
• Lemon juice: Brightens the whole salad and keeps the apples from browning too soon.
• Salt: Essential for balance; a little goes a long way in pulling out the flavors.
• Black pepper: For subtle heat and aromatic depth.
• Mixed greens or lettuce leaves: The perfect bed for serving—choose hearty greens like romaine, arugula, or baby spinach for best texture.

How to Make Roasted Apple Chicken Salad

Step 1: Roast the Apples

Roasting is where the magic happens. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Core and slice your apples, toss them with olive oil, and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, so every piece gets golden and irresistibly caramelized around the edges. Let the apples cool to room temperature—you want them warm, not piping hot, when mixing the salad.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

While the apples roast, chop or shred your cooked chicken breast, then chop up the celery, red onion, and nuts. I love using a mix of walnuts and pecans for an extra autumn vibe, but stick with your favorite—or what you have on hand! Toss everything into a large mixing bowl, ready for assemblage.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until perfectly smooth. This dressing is creamy, tangy, and gently sweet—the finishing touch that ties every flavor together.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add your cooled roasted apples to the bowl with chicken, celery, onion, and nuts. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything to coat. Take care not to mash the apples; the goal is an even coat of dressing and distinct bites of all the good stuff.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the Roasted Apple Chicken Salad over a generous bed of mixed greens, or scoop it into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held twist. Whether you enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, the flavors harmonize beautifully. Any leftovers get even tastier as they sit!

How to Serve Roasted Apple Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Top your Roasted Apple Chicken Salad with a flurry of fresh herbs—think parsley, chives, or dill—for extra color and brightness. A sprinkle of extra toasted nuts adds an irresistible crunch, and a grind of black pepper right before serving makes every bite pop.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with crusty multigrain bread, herbed crackers, or a cup of creamy butternut squash soup, especially on chilly days. For a lighter option, serve it with extra greens dressed simply with lemon and olive oil.

Creative Ways to Present

Give Roasted Apple Chicken Salad a starring role by piling it high in a hollowed-out apple for a show-stopping lunch presentation. Or, pack it into mason jars layered with greens for grab-and-go meals. It even makes a lovely autumn party appetizer spooned onto endive leaves or crostini.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Roasted Apple Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld as it sits, making for irresistibly tasty lunches or snacks. Just be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving again, as the dressing can settle.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the textures of apples, celery, and the creamy dressing might suffer. Fresh is best here, and with such a quick prep, it’s easy enough to whip up on demand.

Reheating

Roasted Apple Chicken Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like to take the chill off straight from the fridge, simply let it stand at room temp for 10 to 15 minutes before eating. There’s no need to heat it, and doing so could wilt the greens and dressing.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for Roasted Apple Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a big time-saver and adds extra juiciness and flavor. Just chop or shred the meat and proceed with the recipe—you’ll barely have to lift a finger.

What apples work best in this salad?

Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are both great choices because they hold their shape well when roasted and offer a lovely balance of sweet and tart. If you prefer a slightly more tart bite, try Granny Smith; the roasting tames their sharpness beautifully.

Can I make Roasted Apple Chicken Salad dairy free?

Yes! You can substitute the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with your favorite unsweetened dairy-free alternatives. A coconut or almond-based yogurt and vegan mayo keeps the dressing creamy and delicious.

How can I add even more flavor?

Try using smoked chicken, tossing in a handful of dried cranberries for extra sweetness, or adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the dressing. The base recipe is a canvas for all your fall-inspired cravings.

What’s the best way to transport this salad for a picnic or potluck?

Keep the greens and dressed salad in separate containers, and assemble just before serving so the greens stay crisp. Portable containers or mason jars work wonders for travel-friendly lunches or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this Roasted Apple Chicken Salad! With its sweet-savory flavors, gorgeous color, and crave-worthy crunch, it’s the kind of easy recipe you’ll keep coming back to, season after season. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every bite.

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