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Bowl of chicken salad with apples and lemon garnish on a wooden table

Chicken Salad with Apples and Lemon

This chicken salad with apples and a lemony fresh bite is the perfect meal-prep lunch. Creamy, crunchy, and bright, it comes together in 15 minutes and stays delicious all week.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken diced (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 large crisp apple Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, cored and diced
  • 2 ribs celery finely diced
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • Optional: 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, toss the diced apple with 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, remaining lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add the diced chicken, apple, celery, red onion, and fresh herbs to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  4. If using nuts, fold them in gently.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Serve chilled on bread, lettuce cups, or with crackers.