High-Protein Chicken Apple Walnut Salad
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and cubed)
- 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
- 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. If you aren’t using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, season your chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear them over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting it into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Step 2: Toast the Walnuts. Place the chopped walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast them for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This step is essential as it brings out the natural oils and improves the crunch of the salad.
- Step 3: Mix the Creamy Dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth. This dressing provides the creamy base that holds all the ingredients together while adding a bright, tangy flavor.
- Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, diced apples, diced celery, minced red onion, and toasted walnuts. Pour the Greek yogurt dressing over the top. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Step 5: Garnish and Chill. Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top and give it one final toss. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the apples to stay crisp.