Apple Walnut Salad with Chicken

The Best Apple Walnut Salad with Chicken You’ll Ever Make (Fresh, Crunchy & Delicious!)

When the air turns crisp, the leaves shift to fiery shades of red and gold, and my kitchen starts smelling of warm spices, I always find myself craving recipes that feel both comforting and refreshing. One of my absolute favorites to make this time of year is my apple walnut salad with chicken recipe. It’s crunchy, fresh, a little sweet, and a little savory. Best of all, it’s easy to throw together and looks so aesthetic on the table that your friends and family will think you spent hours crafting it.

This dish has been my go-to for fall gatherings, cozy winter dinners, and even Thanksgiving side dishes when I want something light to balance out all the heavy casseroles. The combination of crisp apples, toasted walnuts, peppery arugula, juicy chicken, and a drizzle of homemade maple dill dressing makes it irresistible.

And the best part? It’s not just delicious—it’s healthy, too. Packed with lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and loads of seasonal produce, it’s the kind of meal that leaves you satisfied without feeling weighed down.

Let’s dive into how to make this fresh, crunchy, and totally crave-worthy salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Walnut Salad with Chicken

This salad isn’t your average leafy bowl—it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. Here’s why I keep coming back to it year after year:

• Fresh & Crunchy: Juicy apples + toasted walnuts = salad bliss.
• Healthy & Filling: Perfect balance of protein, fiber, and nutrients.
• Easy to Make: A homemade salad that takes less than 30 minutes.
• Aesthetic Presentation: Vibrant greens, red apples, golden chicken—it’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
• Seasonal & Versatile: A true autumn and winter staple that doubles as a Thanksgiving side dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this recipe at home:

• 2 medium chicken breasts (about 12 oz total)
• 2 medium apples (about 1 ½ cups, thinly sliced) – Honeycrisp or Fuji work best
• 1 cup raw walnuts (120 g)
• 5 oz fresh arugula (about 5 cups)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking chicken)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Maple Dill Dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 2: Toast the Walnuts

Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Maple Dill Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, layer 5 cups arugula, apple slices, toasted walnuts, and sliced chicken. Drizzle the dressing generously and toss gently.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Top with extra sprigs of dill or a few apple slices for an aesthetic finishing touch.

The Seasonal Charm: Why This Salad Works in Fall & Winter

One of the reasons I keep returning to this recipe is its strong connection to fall and winter. Apples and walnuts are at their peak during autumn, which means this salad is bursting with flavor when made seasonally. The maple dill dressing gives it a cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with heavier holiday dishes, making it perfect for Thanksgiving or even a light Christmas lunch.

In the colder months, I find myself craving something fresh but still grounding. This salad does exactly that—it brightens the table while keeping the meal hearty enough to satisfy.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

When I first started making this salad, I struggled with uneven apple slices and constantly spilling dressing while whisking. Over time, I found that the right tools made a world of difference. Here are my top three kitchen essentials from Amazon that I recommend for this recipe:

1. OXO Good Grips Apple Slicer

This handy tool cores and slices your apples in seconds. No more struggling with uneven pieces. It’s a game-changer for this salad.

Get the OXO Good Grips Apple Slicer on Amazon

2. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Skillet

A reliable skillet is key for perfectly cooked chicken. This nonstick version ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.

Check the Cuisinart Nonstick Skillet on Amazon

3. Le Parfait Glass Dressing Jar with Lid

Whisking dressings can get messy. I love using this jar because I can make, store, and pour the dressing in one container—plus it looks so aesthetic on the table.

Shop the Le Parfait Dressing Jar on Amazon

Serving Ideas

This apple walnut salad with chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways I like to serve it:

• As a Main Dish: Pair with a slice of rustic bread for a complete meal.
• As a Thanksgiving Side Dish: Light and refreshing alongside turkey and stuffing.
• For Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy healthy lunches throughout the week.

Variations & Tips

One of the joys of homemade salads is how easily they can be customized. Here are some ideas:

• Swap arugula with spinach or kale for a different flavor.
• Use pears instead of apples for a wintry twist.
• Add crumbled goat cheese or feta for extra creaminess.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting chicken and adding roasted chickpeas.
• Double the dressing and keep it in the fridge for quick weeknight meals.

Why Homemade Dressing is Always Better

Store-bought dressings often contain unnecessary preservatives, too much sugar, and artificial flavors. Making your own dressing takes less than 5 minutes and lets you control every ingredient. This maple dill dressing is sweet, tangy, and herbaceous—perfectly complementing the crisp apples and walnuts.

Trust me: once you taste this homemade version, you’ll never go back to bottled dressing again.

Final Thoughts

This apple walnut salad with chicken recipe is one of those dishes that feels comforting yet refreshing, indulgent yet healthy, and simple yet so elegant. It has become a staple in my home, especially during autumn and winter, and I’m certain it will earn a permanent spot at your table too.

Whether you’re making it as a quick weeknight dinner, prepping it for healthy lunches, or serving it as a Thanksgiving side dish, it delivers every single time. The fresh crunch of apples, the nutty bite of walnuts, the hearty chicken, and that maple dill dressing—it all comes together in a bowl that’s both delicious and beautiful.

So grab your apples, toast those walnuts, and whisk up that dressing. I promise, this will be the best apple walnut salad with chicken you’ll ever make.