Chicken Salad with Apples

This Chicken Salad Recipe with Apples is one of my favorite way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s creamy, bright with lemon, and has the best sweet crunch from apples and cranberries that brings out all the flavors beautifully.

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A bowl of chicken salad with herbs, chopped vegetables, and dried cranberries sits on a white surface next to croissants and a bowl of leafy greens.

Why This Recipe Works

This Chicken Salad with apples is my go-to when I want something fresh, filling, and super easy. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

Crunchy, Creamy, and Full of Flavor: It’s the perfect balance of textures. Shredded chicken, crisp celery, tart apple, and chewy cranberries all come together in a creamy, tangy dressing.
Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Using rotisserie chicken makes this incredibly fast. I get that homemade flavor without turning on the stove, a lot like my Rotisserie Chicken Salad.
Perfectly Sweet with Apples: Apples add the most delicious sweet flavor that really ties everything together. It’s absolutely delicious!
Works Great for Meal Prep: I make a batch and keep it in the fridge for easy lunches all week. The flavors only get better as it sits.
Serves Well in So Many Ways: I pile it onto croissants, spoon it over greens, or wrap it in lettuce leaves. However I serve it, it’s always a hit and is as versatile as my Chicken Cobb Salad.

Bowl of chicken salad with diced apples, celery, dried cranberries, and herbs, garnished with a sprig of fresh tarragon.

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A bowl of cooked chicken breast surrounded by small bowls containing chopped apples, celery, dried cranberries, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and chopped herbs on a white surface.

Ingredients

Rotisserie Chicken – Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy. The breast meat is lean, tender, and perfect for shredding into a satisfying base.
Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard – These creamy ingredients create a rich and tangy dressing that coats every bite. The mustard adds a slight kick that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
Lemon Juice – A splash of lemon juice brightens the dressing and helps tie all the flavors together.
Fresh Tarragon – This aromatic herb adds a subtle hint of anise flavor. It brings a fresh, elevated twist to the classic chicken salad.
Apples and Dried Cranberries – Crisp apples and chewy cranberries add sweetness and texture. They make the salad vibrant and slightly sweet with every bite.
Celery – Diced celery gives the salad a satisfying crunch and freshness that balances the creamy dressing.
Kosher Salt – Just enough salt enhances the flavors without overpowering them

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

Instructions

Sliced and finely chopped cooked chicken breast on a dark blue cutting board, placed on a light marble surface.

A white bowl containing mayonnaise, chopped fresh herbs, yellow mustard, and a small amount of lemon juice on a marble surface.

Prep the Chicken: Remove skin and bones from rotisserie chicken and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Add Dressing to Bowl: In a large bowl, add mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, tarragon, and salt.

A white bowl containing a creamy, herb-flecked sauce with a small whisk resting inside, placed on a marble surface.

A bowl containing chopped celery, diced apples, cooked chicken pieces, and dried cranberries arranged in separate sections.

Whisk Dressing: Whisk dressing ingredients until well combined.
Combine and Serve: Add the chicken, diced apple, celery, and cranberries to the bowl and gently toss to coat. Chill and serve.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

A bowl of chicken salad with chopped vegetables and dark bits, garnished with herbs, and a spoon resting inside, on a marble surface.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:

Creamy Base: Mayonnaise is a classic, but I often mix in a few spoonfuls of plain Greek yogurt to lighten it up and add tang. Sour cream works as another creamy substitute.
Crunch Factor: Celery adds great texture, but you could swap in chopped walnuts or pecans.
Boost the Flavor: A finely minced shallot or a pinch of garlic powder can take the flavor up a notch. These small additions go a long way in rounding out the taste.

Hands holding a croissant sandwich filled with chicken salad and arugula; more croissant sandwiches, arugula, and a bowl of chicken salad are on the table.

What to Serve with Chicken Salad

Light Sides

Chicken salad pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. Try it with Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes, Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer, or a simple Chopped Greek Salad for a well-rounded meal.
We also love it with Asian Cucumber Salad, a side of fruit salad with honey lime dressing, or a cup of Roasted Tomato Soup on cooler days.
For a brunch or lunch board, add a few pickled vegetables, sliced cheese, or hard-boiled eggs alongside the chicken salad.

Crackers, Dips, & Chips

For a casual presentation, serve the chicken salad with Air Fryer Tortilla Chips or buttery crackers for scooping.
It’s also great with a platter of fresh cut veggies like cucumber rounds, celery sticks, and bell pepper slices.
When entertaining, set out the chicken salad in a bowl with a variety of dippers like pita chips, seeded flatbreads, or even mini naan to let guests build their own bites.

Five croissants filled with chicken salad and arugula are arranged on a dark platter, with extra greens and chicken salad in bowls nearby.

FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use?

Rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful, but any cooked and shredded chicken breast works well. Just make sure it’s chilled before mixing with the other ingredients.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

Yes. You can swap out part or all of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter, tangier version. Adjust the seasoning to balance the flavor.

What apple works best in this recipe?

Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are ideal because they’re crisp and slightly sweet. They hold their texture well and balance out the creamy dressing.

How long does chicken salad keep?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to help the flavors come together. Stir before serving if needed.

Five croissant sandwiches filled with chicken salad and fresh arugula are arranged on a dark plate.

More Salad Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Southwest Chicken Salad – Southwest Chicken Salad is a healthy, flavorful, and simple-to-make recipe. It’s full of fresh ingredients like lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes, roasted pepper, avocado, and red onion.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is what I reach for when I want comfort food that still feels fresh. It’s got juicy chicken, crisp romaine, and plenty of flavor-packed homemade Caesar dressing.
Greek Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Salad – Juicy marinated chicken overtop crisp vegetables make up this tasty and filling Greek Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Salad. Serve it as a fresh and vibrant main dish on warm summer evenings or for a healthy lunch option.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad – This Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad is light, healthy, and summery! It combines tender pasta with homemade pesto, juicy grilled chicken, and fresh mix-ins for a satisfying meal any time of the day.

If you try this Chicken Salad with Apples recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!