Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Salad with Apples is a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Combining tender rotisserie chicken with crisp apples, tangy cranberries, and a creamy dressing, it’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light lunch on its own.

Ingredients

• 2 breasts rotisserie chicken (finely shredded or chopped)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or more to taste)
• ½ lemon (juiced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon (finely chopped) or ½ teaspoon dried
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
• 1 small apple (finely diced, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken, then chop or shred the meat into bite-size pieces.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped tarragon, and kosher salt until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the shredded chicken, diced apple, diced celery, and chopped dried cranberries to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until well coated.
4. Step 4: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Step 5: Serve the chicken salad chilled, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or over a bed of mixed greens.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience and great flavor.
• Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
• Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for crunchy texture.
• Swap tarragon with fresh dill or parsley if preferred.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. It’s best enjoyed chilled and should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad tastes even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes, and it can be prepared up to one day in advance to let the flavors fully develop.

What can I serve with chicken salad?

Chicken salad pairs well with crisp lettuce leaves, toasted bread, pita pockets, or as a filling for wraps. It’s also delicious served alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad.

Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 101 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Salad with Apples is a fresh and flavorful dish combining tender rotisserie chicken with crisp apples, celery, and sweet dried cranberries, all brought together with a tangy mayonnaise and Dijon mustard dressing infused with lemon juice and tarragon. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or atop a bed of mixed greens, this recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for a light lunch or picnic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 breasts rotisserie chicken (finely shredded or chopped)

Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or more to taste)
• ½ lemon (juiced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon (finely chopped) or ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)

Add-ins

• 1 small apple (finely diced, Honeycrisp or Fuji)
• 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped)

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Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken breasts and chop or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating.
2. Mix Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, chopped tarragon, and kosher salt until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, diced apples, diced celery, and roughly chopped dried cranberries into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop.
5. Serve: Serve the chicken salad chilled, perfect for layering in sandwiches, wraps, or served on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing meal.

Notes

• Use fresh tarragon if possible for the best flavor, but dried tarragon works as a substitute.
• Choosing crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji adds a nice sweet crunch to the salad.
• Adjust mayonnaise and mustard quantities to your taste preference for creaminess and tang.
• This salad can be made a day ahead, making it ideal for meal prep.
• For a healthier twist, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
• Keep the salad refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for freshness and food safety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken Salad, Apple Chicken Salad, Easy Chicken Salad, Rotisserie Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Salad, Lunch Recipe