Chicken, Apple and Walnut Salad with Yogurt Dressing
In short: Shredded chicken, crisp apple, celery and toasted walnuts in a tangy yogurt and mustard dressing, over greens or in a sandwich. Ready in 15 minutes. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 410 kcal
Crisp apple, crunchy celery and toasted walnuts give plain cooked chicken a lot of texture, and a yogurt dressing sharpened with lemon and mustard keeps it light. It is a salad to make with leftover roast chicken, and it works over greens, spooned into lettuce cups or piled into a sandwich. Dice the apple just before mixing, or toss it in lemon juice to keep it from browning.
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking often, until fragrant. Tip them onto a plate to cool.
- Whisk the yogurt, 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice, the oil, mustard, honey, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Toss the diced apples with the remaining lemon juice in a small bowl, which stops them browning.
- Add the chicken, apples, celery, onion, parsley and most of the walnuts to the dressing. Fold gently until everything is coated.
- Taste and adjust the salt and lemon. Chill for 15 minutes if you have time.
- Serve over the salad leaves, topped with the remaining walnuts.
Tips
- Choose firm, crisp apples with some tartness. They hold their crunch and balance the creamy dressing. Leave the skin on for color.
- Pecans or toasted almonds can replace the walnuts, and pear or grapes can replace the apple. Replacing some of the yogurt with sour cream gives a richer salad.
Questions and answers
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes. Mix it up to a day ahead, but add the walnuts and apples just before serving so they stay crunchy.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. Drain two 170 g (6 oz) cans well and flake the chicken. The salad will be softer but still tasty.
Can I serve it as a sandwich?
Yes. It fills 4 sandwiches or large lettuce cups, and it works well in a wrap with spinach leaves.
How long does it take to make Chicken, Apple and Walnut Salad with Yogurt Dressing?
About 20 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chicken, Apple and Walnut Salad with Yogurt Dressing?
About 410 kcal per serving, with 36 g of protein, 22 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 410 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
