If you’re searching for a fresh twist on your lunch routine, the Roasted Apple Chicken Salad is just what you need. This vibrant dish brings together juicy, caramelized apples, tender chicken, and a creamy dressing that balances sweet and tangy flavors perfectly. Every bite offers a satisfying combination of crunch, creaminess, and a hint of spice, making it an absolute favorite for meal prep, wholesome lunches, or light dinners. Whether served on a bed of crisp greens or tucked into lettuce cups, this salad delivers comfort and excitement in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Roasted Apple Chicken Salad lies in its simple but well-chosen ingredients. Each component brings something unique—whether it’s the sweetness of apples, the earthiness of walnuts, or the richness of Greek yogurt—all working together to make each bite memorable.
- Apples: Go for crisp, slightly tart varieties for the best flavor contrast—these get beautifully caramelized in the oven.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the apples roast to tender perfection.
- Cinnamon: Just a touch provides cozy warmth and a subtle aroma that makes the apples sing.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the other flavors—use just enough to make everything pop.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or chopped, it soaks up the dressing and forms a hearty base for the salad.
- Greek Yogurt: Offers creaminess and tang, plus a healthy protein boost for staying power.
- Mayonnaise: A bit of classic mayo keeps the dressing extra smooth and luscious.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds zing and brightness, perfectly lifting the richness of the other ingredients.
- Honey: Light sweetness balances the vinegar and brings harmony to the flavors.
- Black Pepper: A hint of spice keeps the salad interesting and well-rounded.
- Celery: Adds crunch and freshness, making every bite more dynamic.
- Red Onion: Sharp, colorful, and aromatic—just enough to liven up the salad without overpowering.
- Walnuts or Pecans (optional): For a satisfying nutty crunch and earthy depth—totally optional, but highly recommended!
- Mixed Greens or Lettuce: The perfect fresh canvas for serving your Roasted Apple Chicken Salad.
How to Make Roasted Apple Chicken Salad
Step 1: Roast the Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss your chopped apples with olive oil, cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt—coating them evenly means every piece gets caramelized. Spread the apples out in a single layer and roast for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for tender apples with golden edges and that wonderful roasted aroma. Let them cool completely so they don’t wilt your salad later.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, black pepper, and a little extra salt. Stir until the mixture turns smooth and glossy. This creamy base brings everything together, perfectly balancing tang, sweetness, and richness—a total game-changer for the classic chicken salad.
Step 3: Assemble the Roasted Apple Chicken Salad
Now for the fun part! Add your cooked chicken, chopped celery, red onion, and the roasted apples (once they’re cool) directly into the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix until everything is coated and evenly distributed. If you love a little extra crunch and earthiness, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—it’s all about personal preference.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the Roasted Apple Chicken Salad generously over a bed of fresh mixed greens or pack it into crisp lettuce cups for a portable lunch that feels gourmet. It tastes fantastic chilled, so let it sit in the fridge for a bit if you can resist diving in right away!
How to Serve Roasted Apple Chicken Salad
Garnishes
To make your salad even more inviting, add a sprinkling of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. Another beautiful touch is a handful of extra toasted nuts or a quick grind of black pepper on top—tiny details that make your Roasted Apple Chicken Salad feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside so many sides! For a well-rounded meal, pair it with a bowl of simple soup (think butternut squash or tomato), a slice of crusty sourdough bread, or roasted sweet potatoes. The salad’s flavors also complement a sweet iced tea or refreshing sparkling water.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to show off your Roasted Apple Chicken Salad, pile it high in lettuce cups for a fun, appetizer-style presentation—perfect for brunch or picnics. It’s also gorgeous served as an open-faced sandwich atop toasted whole grain bread, or even tucked into a wrap with extra greens for an on-the-go meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Roasted Apple Chicken Salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to two days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the flavors vibrant and the textures just right. Giving it a gentle stir before serving helps remix any dressing that might settle at the bottom.
Freezing
While technically safe to freeze, this salad loses a lot of its appeal after thawing—especially the creamy dressing and crisp apples. For best results, enjoy it fresh or made ahead in the fridge, where the flavors stay lively and the texture remains just right.
Reheating
This salad was designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating isn’t recommended, as it can cause the creamy dressing to separate and the apples to turn mushy. Simply serve it straight from the fridge, or let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds a flavorful shortcut—you can shred or chop the meat right off the bone for a quick and tasty base for your Roasted Apple Chicken Salad.
What are the best apple varieties for this salad?
I love using crisp, slightly tart types like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for a punchy bite that stands out after roasting. Avoid mealy apples, as they won’t hold their shape as well.
Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?
Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite plain dairy-free yogurt or use all mayonnaise. You can even try a tangy cashew cream if you want to get a little fancy with your Roasted Apple Chicken Salad.
How can I make this salad nut-free?
Just skip the walnuts or pecans. The salad will still be deliciously crunchy from the celery and apples, but you could add sunflower seeds or pepitas if you’d like an alternative crunch.
Can I add extra vegetables or fruit?
Definitely! Diced grapes, dried cranberries, or even shredded carrots all play well with the other flavors. The recipe is flexible—customize your Roasted Apple Chicken Salad with your favorites and make it your own.
Final Thoughts
Give this Roasted Apple Chicken Salad a try and let it become your next go-to for lunches or easy dinners. With every forkful, you’ll get a taste of sweet, savory, and just a bit of crunch—a mix that’s sure to win over anyone at the table. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!
Print
Roasted Apple Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Apple Chicken Salad combines the sweetness of roasted apples with tender chicken, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Apples:
- 2 medium apples (cored and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Mixed greens or lettuce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roast the Apples: Toss chopped apples with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt. Roast for 15–20 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the Salad: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, pepper, and salt. Add chicken, celery, onion, and roasted apples. Stir well. Fold in nuts if desired.
- Serve: Serve chilled over greens or in lettuce cups.
Notes
- This salad can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Swap Greek yogurt with all mayo or use dairy-free alternatives if needed.
- Diced grapes or dried cranberries are great mix-in options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
