Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad offers a great balance of flavors and textures. The juicy crunch of Honeycrisp or Gala apples combines beautifully with the savory, seasoned chicken. The sweetness of the apples is complemented by the tangy Dijon mustard and creamy almond milk yogurt dressing, making each bite full of satisfying flavor. The addition of celery and onions adds crunch and depth, making this chicken salad a wholesome and nutritious option for a quick, filling meal. Plus, it’s dairy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 20 oz canned chicken
• 1 Honeycrisp or Gala apple, cut into chunks
• ½ small sweet onion or ¼ cup red onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, finely diced
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup plain almond milk yogurt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

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

Directions

1. In a large bowl, drain the canned chicken and shred it with a fork or your hands.
2. Add the diced apple, onion, and celery to the bowl with the chicken.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, almond milk yogurt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then stir until everything is well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or mustard.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Refrigeration time (optional): 30 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: For extra flavor and crunch, you can add chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), dried cranberries, or grapes.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme can be mixed in for an extra burst of freshness.
• Veggie Options: If you want to increase the veggie content, you can add ingredients like cucumber, bell peppers, or carrots.
• Protein Swap: You can swap the canned chicken for grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not need to be reheated.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken in place of canned chicken for a fresher taste.

2. Can I make this salad without almond milk yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute the almond milk yogurt with another dairy-free yogurt, like coconut yogurt or soy yogurt, depending on your preference.

3. How can I make this recipe lower in fat?

To lower the fat content, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and replace it with additional almond milk yogurt or use a low-fat version of the mayonnaise.

4. Is this chicken salad gluten-free?

Yes, this chicken salad is gluten-free as long as the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are gluten-free. Always check the labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.

5. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer. Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples are also great alternatives to Honeycrisp.

6. Can I use regular yogurt instead of dairy-free yogurt?

If you’re not following a dairy-free diet, you can use regular yogurt or Greek yogurt as a substitute for almond milk yogurt.

7. How do I adjust the seasoning if it’s too bland?

Taste and add additional salt, pepper, or Dijon mustard if needed. You can also add a dash of lemon juice or vinegar for more tanginess.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies like cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.

9. Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together even better after sitting for a while.

10. How can I make this salad spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing.

Conclusion

This Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors, making it an irresistible and nutritious choice for lunch or a light dinner. It’s dairy-free and gluten-free, yet still creamy and flavorful thanks to the combination of almond milk yogurt, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is ideal for busy days when you need a healthy, satisfying meal in no time. Enjoy this refreshing salad on its own or with your favorite crackers or bread for a complete meal.

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