Chicken & Apple Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad that pairs tender grilled chicken with juicy apple chunks, crunchy walnuts, and celery in a light creamy dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner that feels both nourishing and satisfying.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Season and grill the chicken.
1.Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with 1 pinch salt and black pepper.2.Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.3.Grill chicken 5-7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).4.Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized cubes.TIPLetting the chicken rest keeps the juices locked in — don't skip this step. - prep · ~3 min
Toast the walnuts.
Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
TIPWatch closely — walnuts burn quickly and turn bitter. - mix · ~1 min
Make the creamy dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, and the remaining pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- mix · ~1 min
Toss the salad together.
In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, apples, celery, and toasted walnuts. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- assemble · ~1 min
Assemble on lettuce leaves and serve.
Arrange lettuce leaves on plates or a platter. Spoon the dressed salad onto the leaves and serve immediately.
TIPFor extra crunch, sprinkle a few reserved walnuts on top just before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, dice the chicken and apples into uniform bite-sized cubes so every forkful is balanced.
- 2Toss the diced apples with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice immediately to prevent browning and add brightness.
- 3Grill the chicken until the internal temperature hits 165°F, then let it rest 5 minutes before dicing to keep it juicy.
- 4Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking often — they can go from fragrant to burnt in seconds.
- 5This salad can be assembled a few hours ahead; keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- 6Use thick, plain Greek yogurt for the dressing — regular yogurt can make the dressing too thin and watery.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Skip brushing the chicken with oil and instead grill it in a non-stick pan or on a well-seasoned grill griddle; the yogurt dressing already provides enough moisture.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or 1/2 cup cooked quinoa for extra protein without changing the salad's fresh character.
veganVegan
Replace chicken with grilled firm tofu or chickpeas, and swap yogurt for a thick plant-based yogurt like coconut or soy yogurt.
nut freeNut-free
Omit walnuts and add toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch without the allergen.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast provides high-quality, lean protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you full.
Rich in Fiber
Apples, celery, and walnuts contribute dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts are a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health.
Low in Added Sugar
This salad relies on natural sweetness from apples and plain yogurt, keeping added sugars minimal.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, any crisp, sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith works well; avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious.
