Chicken, Apple & Walnut Salad (Simple, Fresh & Crunchy)
If you’ve got leftover chicken on hand, especially from a whole chicken cooked in the slow cooker (my favorite method), this quick chicken, apple & walnut salad comes together in minutes. Sweet diced apple adds freshness, chopped walnuts bring crunch, and mayonnaise ties everything together. You don’t need salt, pepper, or extra seasonings here; the simple ingredients provide plenty of flavor on their own.
This makes an easy lunch, a simple dinner, or a great way to repurpose a batch of shredded chicken from your weekend prep. Some of the best recipes aren’t really recipes as much as they are knowing what ingredients go well together to provide you with a satisfying meal, like turkey and rice soup that can also be made with leftover chicken or turkey.
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Ingredients
(See the recipe card below for measurements.)
- Shredded cooked chicken
- A sweet, crisp apple, diced small
- Chopped walnuts
- Mayonnaise
How to Make Chicken, Apple & Walnut Salad
- Prepare the apple and walnuts
Dice the apple into small, even pieces so the sweetness blends well throughout the salad. Chop the walnuts so they mix in smoothly. I find a good chef’s knife to be my go-to for all chopping. It makes quick work of this task. - Combine the ingredients
Add the shredded chicken, diced apple, chopped walnuts, and mayonnaise to a medium mixing bowl. - Mix to your preferred texture
Stir until everything is evenly coated. Add more mayonnaise if you want a creamier chicken salad. - Chill if desired
The flavors blend nicely after resting in the refrigerator, but it’s also delicious right away. Store the chicken salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh for a couple of days.
Serving Ideas
- Spread on toasted bread
- Add to wraps or tortillas
- Serve with crackers
- Spoon over mixed greens
- Use as a filling for lettuce cups
Dog-Friendly Note
This chicken salad is naturally simple and doesn’t include salt, pepper, onion, or spices, so a small amount is safe for dogs. The only ingredient to be mindful of is mayonnaise. Store-bought mayo isn’t toxic to dogs and is fine in tiny amounts, but it can be fattening.
If you want a lighter option or plan to share it more often, you can replace part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. It keeps the salad creamy while staying gentle for both dogs and humans. Plus, you get a probiotic nutritional boost.
Tips & Variations on Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
- Add finely diced celery for extra crunch.
- Replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Use leftover turkey instead of chicken.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to help keep the apple pieces bright.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
- Get more ideas here.
- Walnuts add a great crunchy texture, and they’re considered a heart-healthy option because of their healthy fats. You can read more about why nuts support heart health here.
Final Thoughts
Chicken salad is one of those simple recipes that makes busy days a little easier. With just a few fresh ingredients and leftover chicken, you can pull together a meal that feels comforting without needing much time or effort. I love having a batch in the refrigerator for quick lunches, and it’s easy to adjust to whatever you have on hand.
If you’re building out your weekly meal prep, check out my slow cooker whole chicken and bone broth posts. They’re the perfect starting point for simple, flexible meals.
Chicken, Apple & Walnut Salad (Simple, Fresh & Cozy)
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 sweet, crisp apple (Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala) diced small (about ¼-½ inch)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise or to taste
- salt and pepper to taste optional
Instructions
- Dice the apple into small ¼-½ inch pieces. Chop walnuts finely.
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, apple, walnuts, and mayonnaise.
- Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Adjust mayo to taste.
- Chill 30 minutes to let flavors blend or serve immediately.
Notes
- Sweet, crisp apples like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best.
- Chop the apples and walnuts small for even texture throughout the salad.
- Add more or less mayonnaise to reach your preferred creaminess.
- A splash of lemon juice helps keep the apples from browning.
- For extra crunch, add finely diced celery.
- This chicken salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
- For a lighter version, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Dog-friendly tip: the salad is safe for dogs in small amounts, but mayonnaise is rich. Use Greek yogurt if you plan to share more regularly.
