Autumn Chicken Salad with Apples and Crunchy Walnuts
This delightful Autumn Chicken Salad combines tender diced chicken with crisp apples and crunchy walnuts, creating a deliciously refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly suited for a light lunch or as a snack, this recipe can elevate your picnic or lunchbox with vibrant flavors. With a hint of sweetness from the apples and a satisfying crunch from the walnuts, it’s not just tasty; it’s visually appealing too! Serve it in hollowed-out oranges for an impressive presentation and a burst of citrus flavor.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (filets cooked and diced)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (fat free or low fat may be substituted)
celery
1/2 cup (diced)
onion
1/4 (fresh, diced)
apple
1 cup (chopped (or grapes, if preferred))
walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken breasts, mayonnaise, diced celery, and fresh onion.
2
Add in the chopped apples and walnuts, and sprinkle in the black pepper.
3
Gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined, making sure the chicken and apples are evenly coated with the mayonnaise.
4
For an elegant presentation, serve the salad scooped into hollowed-out orange halves, which also adds a refreshing citrus flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Autumn Chicken Salad with Apples and Crunchy Walnuts?
It is a refreshing twist on a classic chicken salad that combines tender diced chicken with crisp apples and crunchy walnuts.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What is the main protein used in this salad?
The main protein is 4 chicken breast filets that have been cooked and diced.
Can I use a low-fat dressing?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with fat-free or low-fat mayonnaise.
What type of celery is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced celery.
What kind of onion should I use?
You should use 1/4 of a fresh onion, finely diced.
How many apples are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped apples.
Can I substitute apples with another fruit?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use grapes instead of apples.
How many walnuts should I include?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts for a satisfying crunch.
What kind of seasoning is used?
The salad is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is to combine the diced chicken breasts, mayonnaise, diced celery, and fresh onion in a large mixing bowl.
When do I add the apples and walnuts?
The apples and walnuts should be added after mixing the chicken, mayo, celery, and onion, along with the black pepper.
How should the ingredients be mixed?
You should gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with mayonnaise.
What is an elegant way to serve this chicken salad?
For an impressive presentation, serve the salad scooped into hollowed-out orange halves.
What benefit does serving in orange halves provide?
It adds a refreshing citrus flavor and makes the dish more visually appealing.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is perfectly suited for a light lunch or as a healthy snack.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent option for meal prep and can be easily packed in a lunchbox.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Does this salad have a crunchy texture?
Yes, the addition of diced celery, crisp apples, and chopped walnuts provides a satisfying crunch.
Is this chicken salad sweet or savory?
It offers a balanced flavor profile with a hint of sweetness from the apples and savory notes from the chicken and onion.
Is this a good recipe for a picnic?
Absolutely, its refreshing flavor and portable nature make it ideal for picnics.
What kind of chicken preparation is required?
The chicken breasts should be cooked and then diced before being added to the salad.
Can I use pre-ground black pepper?
While the recipe suggests freshly ground black pepper for best flavor, you can use standard ground pepper if necessary.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include chicken salad, autumn recipes, light lunch, healthy snacks, and meal prep.
How would you describe the overall flavor?
The flavor is described as deliciously refreshing with vibrant flavors and a hint of sweetness.
Does the recipe specify a walnut size?
Yes, the walnuts should be chopped before being added to the salad.
How much preparation is needed for the celery?
The celery simply needs to be diced into small pieces.
Is the onion cooked or fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh, diced onion.
Why is this called an 'Autumn' chicken salad?
It is named for the seasonal inclusion of apples and walnuts, which are classic autumn flavors.