This chicken salad with apples has crisp, apple, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, celery, and tender chicken tossed in a creamy honey Dijon dressing. It takes minutes to make and rotisserie chicken makes it even easier. Serve it on bread tucked into a wrap or over greens for a quick lunch that actually feels like lunch.

• Serves: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, mustard, white wine, and pepper. Set aside. 

Step 2: Gather the remaining ingredients.

Step 3: If chicken pieces are large, use an electric hand mixer on low speed to break down cooked chicken into tiny pieces, essentially mimicking a very fine dice. 

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, sliced almonds, finely diced apple, dried cranberries, thinly sliced green onions, and finely chopped celery. Pour the dressing on top and mix.

Place the chicken salad in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors marinate.

Step 5: Serve on sandwich bread, apple slices, lettuce boats, or crackers.

🍋 Simply Made Suggestions & Swaps…

• Use rotisserie chicken. One of my favorite shortcuts! Grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken, remove the skin, and use the breast meat—or whatever you have left.
• Choose an apple with some crunch. I used Honeycrisp apples because they’re crisp, slightly sweet, and hold their texture well. For more contrast, try a tart apple.
• Swap the nuts—or leave them out. I used sliced almonds, but I’ve also made this with chopped pecans or walnuts, and both work well.
• Making it ahead? Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making it ahead, add the apples closer to serving so they stay crisp.
• Make it lighter. Replace some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
• Add a little sweetness. Toss in halved red or green grapes.
• Make it lunch. Serve with crackers, in lettuce wraps, or over fresh greens.

👉 How to Serve Chicken Salad with Apples

There are plenty of ways to serve this one depending on whether you want a quick lunch or something a little more substantial:

• On a buttery croissant
• On toasted sandwich bread
• In lettuce wraps
• With crackers
• Stuffed into pita pockets
• On apple slices
• Over mixed greens

🍎 Before You Go…

If you like a little sweet mixed into your savory, our apple recipes for fall and beyond have plenty more ways to put those apples to work. Or keep things fresh with our Sensational Salad Recipes, with easy options for everything from quick lunches to simple dinners.