Apple Walnut Chicken Salad – 20 Minute Dinner Recipes

Alright, listen—I have to confess: this Apple Walnut Chicken Salad is basically my go-to weeknight hero. Imagine crisp, juicy apples mingling with crunchy toasted walnuts, all tossed up with tender chicken that’s ready in a flash. The kind of dish you can whip up when you’re starving but still want something fresh, satisfying, and fancy enough to make you feel like a kitchen rockstar. Plus, it’s loaded with textures and flavors that actually make salad feel like a full-on meal. Trust me, once you get this combo down, you’ll never look at boring chicken salad the same way again.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
• ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
• ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. While it warms up, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2:

Carefully place chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until the outside is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest a few minutes, then dice it into bite-sized chunks.

Step 3:

Toast the walnuts in the same skillet for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently so they get that lovely nutty aroma without burning.

Step 4:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, tangy dressing.

Step 5:

Combine the diced chicken, chopped apple, celery, green onions, toasted walnuts, and mixed greens in a large bowl.

Step 6:

Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until every bite gets coated with that dreamy sauce. Serve immediately for the freshest crunch.

Variations & Tips

• Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to cut prep time even more.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plain coconut or cashew yogurt.
• If you want a little zip, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

How I Like to Serve It

This salad is perfect on its own for a light but filling dinner, especially during spring and summer when crisp apples are at their peak. I also love serving it stuffed in whole wheat pita pockets for an easy lunch. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for an extra refreshing touch.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; the apples may soften but still taste great.
• If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to preserve freshness.

Closing: This Apple Walnut Chicken Salad always feels like a little celebration on the plate, proving that fast dinners can still be fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying.

Lina

Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes.Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.