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This easy chicken salad with apples and cheddar is an amazing blend of flavors and textures. With crisp greens, juicy grilled chicken, sweet apples, and creamy cheddar, it’s a vibrant and nutritious dish bursting with freshness and flavor. You’ll love every bite! The honey yogurt dressing is the perfect accompaniment.
Hey, friends! Today, I’m bringing you a deliciously fresh and easy chicken salad recipe that you’ll want to make all summer long. Fall, too! This green chicken salad with apples and cheddar is the perfect combo of ingredients, making it a healthy chicken salad that’s both delicious and refreshing. It’s like a Fall harvest in a bowl!
I’ve been on a chicken salad kick lately because it’s not only easy to prepare but also super filling. Plus, this particular chicken salad with apples is a real treat thanks to the sweet crunch of the fruit, the savory bite of cheddar cheese, and the bright, fresh flavor of a homemade honey yogurt dressing. You can easily swap ingredients to make it your own, so keep reading for some fun variations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This easy chicken salad recipe is made with super tasty ingredients that make it so irresistible. From crisp apples to cheddar to the creamy dressing, each adds its own texture to this flavorful salad.
For The Salad
- Romaine Hearts: You can substitute with iceberg or butter lettuce.
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken thighs will also work. To prepare the chicken, use my recipes for grilled, baked chicken, or air fryer rotisserie chicken.
- Cubed Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, savory flavor and creamy texture. Any sharp cheese like Gouda or Colby Jack works too.
- Granny Smith Apples: Offers a tart, crunchy bite that contrasts nicely with the ingredients. Feel free to use any firm, tart apple.
- Red Delicious Apples: Adds a sweet crunch and a pop of color.
- Chopped Walnuts: Provides a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. You can swap it with pecans or almonds.
For The Honey Yogurt Dressing
- Plain Yogurt: Makes the dressing creamy and tangy. Greek yogurt can be a thicker substitute.
- Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy consistency and rich flavor. Eggless mayo works, too.
- Organic Honey: Sweetens the dressing. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: For a fresh flavor and color. You can also use cilantro or basil.
How To Make This Easy Chicken Salad
Do you know how strongly I feel about apples and cheddar? In my heart of hearts, I believe they go together like peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, avocado and toast, Cheech and Chong. This pairing is a match made in culinary heaven! Now, let’s just make this healthy chicken salad that brings these perfect partners together in the most delicious way.
- Prepare the Salad Greens: Start by chopping the romaine hearts and placing them in a large salad bowl.
- Add the Main Ingredients: Layer on the chicken strips, cubed cheddar cheese, apple slices, and chopped walnuts.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, mayo, and honey. Stir until well mixed. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the honey yogurt dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Tips And Variations
- Meal Prep: Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Mix everything together just before serving for a quick meal.
- Leafy Greens: Mix in some spinach or arugula for extra greens and nutrients.
- Dressing Alternatives: If you’re out of yogurt, try a light vinaigrette or a creamy avocado lime ranch dressing instead.
- Add Some Crunch: Finely diced celery or a handful of sunflower seeds can add extra crunch.
- Herbs for Flavor: Fresh herbs mixed into the dressing, like tarragon or chives, can enhance the flavor.
- Cheese Options: Try adding crumbled blue cheese or feta for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
So there you have it, a delightful, easy chicken salad recipe perfect for your next meal! Whether you’re taking it to a potluck or enjoying it all by yourself, this chicken salad with apples and cheddar is always a crowd-pleaser. You can serve the salad as a main dish on a large plate or present it on a large platter for gatherings, letting guests serve themselves. I take it to lots of parties and BBQs.
How Long Does It Last?
This easy chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day once dressed. If you keep the dressing separate, the salad will last up to 3 days. Just combine before serving. Freezing is not recommended.
Chicken Salad Recipes To Try
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Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
FOR THE SALAD
- 2 to 3 Romaine Hearts, chopped
- 3 cooked chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 cups cubed cheddar cheese
- 2 granny smith apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 red delicious apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
FOR THE HONEY YOGURT DRESSING
- ½ cup plain yogurt, I use Dannon
- ¼ cup mayonnaise, or eggless mayo
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Place chopped romaine salad in a large salad bowl.
- Add chicken strips, cheddar cheese, apples and walnuts over salad greens. Set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine yogurt, mayo, honey, salt, and pepper; stir until completely and thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust accordingly.
- Pour the salad dressing over the salad.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Um YES! Love apples and cheddar together – we make a salad about once a week for dinner and this is definitely going on the must-make list!
Hiiiii, sweeeeets!!! ♥ *waving* 😀 Thank you! It’s a great salad!! 😉
Such a gorgeous fall salad, I need this in my life!
Making this for dinner tonight!!!!
How do you cook your chicken? Looks so good!!
Hi Chris!! Thanks so much!! It really is very good and juicy! 😀
Almost always, I use this method that I talked about in my Chipotle Chicken recipe post >>> https://diethood.com/grilled-chipotle-chicken-salad/ It’s all in the recipe box. I hope that helps! 🙂
What a gorgeous salad, and I love the apple cheddar combo!
This is the prettiest salad I have ever seen! And I’m dying over that dressing!
I love fresh, hearty salads! This looks like such a delicious one!
The cheddar in this salad is making me so happy! Looks amazing!
Hi! Can you use non fat plain Greek yogurt? Thanks!
Hi!
Yes, that works, too. Keep in mind that you may have to water it down a bit if the dressing is too thick to pour over the salad.
I want to make a large jar of the honey yogurt dressing and pour it on everything! This salad is gorgeous Love apples and cheddar together!
I totally agree! Apples and cheddar are a perfect match! (Plus, that honey yogurt dressing sounds great!)