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, sweet cranberries, and a tangy tarragon dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or quick dinner.

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, 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 and chop or shred it into bite-size pieces.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, tarragon, and kosher salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the shredded chicken, diced apples, dried cranberries, and diced celery to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
5. Step 5: Serve the chicken salad on sandwiches, in wraps, or over mixed greens for a delicious meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier dressing.
• Swap the tarragon for fresh dill or parsley if you prefer a different herb flavor.
• To add crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts like almonds or pecans on top before serving.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can substitute cooked chicken breasts. Simply cook and shred the chicken before using it in the recipe.

How do I prevent the apple pieces from browning?

Toss the diced apples with a little lemon juice before mixing them into the salad. This helps keep them fresh and crisp-looking.

Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This vibrant Chicken Salad with Apples is a refreshing and flavorful dish combining tender rotisserie chicken, crisp apples, and a tangy homemade dressing featuring mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh tarragon. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a light salad over greens, it brings a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes with ease and minimal prep time.

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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)

Mix-ins

• 1 small apple (finely diced; Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
• 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 eating and blending with the other ingredients.
2. Mix Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh tarragon (or dried), and kosher salt until well combined and creamy.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, finely diced apples, roughly chopped dried cranberries, and diced celery into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly without mashing the apples or chicken.
4. Chill: Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
5. Serve: Enjoy the chicken salad on its own, piled into sandwiches or wraps, or served over a bed of fresh mixed greens for a satisfying and refreshing meal.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard according to your taste preference for creaminess and tang.
• Using fresh tarragon provides a brighter flavor, but dried tarragon can be substituted if needed.
• If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Ensure apples are diced finely to distribute evenly and prevent overpowering any single bite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

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