Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices

Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices is a fresh and flavorful no-cook dish perfect for lunch, snacks, or party appetizers. Juicy apple rounds replace bread or crackers, making this dish both gluten-free and refreshingly crisp with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and healthy: Ready in under 15 minutes with no cooking required.
• Naturally gluten-free and low-carb: Apples provide a sweet, crisp base without the carbs or gluten of bread.
• Great texture and flavor: Creamy chicken salad with chewy cranberries, crunchy nuts, and crisp apples.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped celery
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced into rounds

directions

this recipe

1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, celery, and nuts.
2. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Slice apples into ¼-inch thick rounds and remove the core to create a flat surface.
5. Spoon a generous portion of chicken salad onto each apple slice.
6. Serve immediately or chill the chicken salad and assemble right before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook time: None
• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Nut-free: Use sunflower seeds or skip the nuts entirely.
• Sweet and spicy: Add a pinch of curry powder or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Fruit swap: Serve the salad on pear slices or inside lettuce cups.
• Creamy boost: Use half mayo and half Greek yogurt for extra richness.
• Add herbs: Stir in chopped parsley, dill, or chives for extra flavor.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store the chicken salad (without apples) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Not necessary—serve cold or at room temperature.
• Apples: Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning. If prepping early, toss with lemon juice.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect and saves time.

Will the apples brown?

Yes, unless you coat them in lemon juice or slice them right before serving.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can make the chicken salad in advance and chill it. Slice apples and assemble right before serving.

What are the best apples for this recipe?

Sweet-crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work best for contrast.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as all added ingredients are too.

What can I use instead of nuts?

Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are good nut-free options.

Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely—try grapes, scallions, or bell pepper for added flavor and crunch.

How should I serve it at a party?

Arrange on a platter and serve immediately, or offer the salad in a bowl with apple slices on the side.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use mayonnaise only or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes—kids enjoy the sweet apples and the mild, creamy chicken salad.

Conclusion

Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices is a vibrant and refreshing take on traditional chicken salad. With sweet apples, crunchy nuts, and tangy cranberries, it’s the perfect light bite for any occasion. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself returning to this wholesome favorite again and again.

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