This Fall Chicken Salad Recipe is the ultimate celebration of autumn flavors, blending juicy chicken, crisp apples, sweet grapes, and tart cranberries with a creamy, tangy dressing. Every bite is a joyful mix of textures and colors—perfect for picnics, easy lunches, or festive gatherings. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving as soon as the leaves start to turn, and it’s so simple to put together that you’ll want to make it all season long.

Fall Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Fall Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its basic ingredients, each one carefully chosen to add delicious flavor, crunch, and a pop of color. With these pantry and fridge staples, you can whip up a salad that tastes like it came straight from a cozy autumn picnic.

Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped, this is the hearty foundation of the salad—use rotisserie for extra ease.
Diced apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji): Adds fresh, juicy sweetness and a lovely crunch that screams fall.
Red grapes (halved): Bursts of juicy tartness and color in every bite.
Dried cranberries: A chewy, tart-sweet contrast that ties the whole salad together.
Chopped celery: Delivers a crisp, refreshing bite to balance the sweetness.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted): Toasting brings out their nutty aroma and adds a satisfying crunch.
Green onions (sliced): Give a subtle oniony kick that brightens the salad.
Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Choose your favorite base for a creamy, luscious dressing.
Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth, making the flavors pop.
Apple cider vinegar: The secret ingredient for a lively, zesty finish.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste and let all the flavors shine.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

How to Make Fall Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Shred or chop the cooked chicken breast, dice the apple, halve the grapes, chop the celery and nuts, and slice the green onions. Doing all your prep work first makes assembling this Fall Chicken Salad Recipe a total breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, diced apple, halved grapes, cranberries, celery, nuts, and green onions. Toss everything together gently so that every spoonful will be filled with a bit of everything.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until you get a smooth, creamy dressing. This is where the magic happens—the tangy, velvety dressing ties all those autumn flavors together.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Take a moment to taste, and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld together beautifully, taking this Fall Chicken Salad Recipe from good to absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Fall Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top brings a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness. For extra flair, toss on a few extra toasted nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon for a true autumnal finish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, flaky croissants, or a handful of your favorite crackers. If you want something lighter, serve it in crisp lettuce cups or alongside a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the Fall Chicken Salad Recipe onto mini croissants for an elegant brunch platter, or scoop it into hollowed-out apples for a stunning fall party appetizer. You can even serve it in mason jars for a picnic-perfect, portable lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Fall Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving again to redistribute the creamy dressing.

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Be aware that the texture of the apples and grapes may change after thawing, becoming a bit softer. For best results, freeze the chicken mixture without the dressing, then add the dressing fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this Fall Chicken Salad Recipe, as it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Simply take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor. Just remove the skin, shred or chop the meat, and you’re all set for this Fall Chicken Salad Recipe.

What are the best apples to use?

Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work beautifully, but feel free to use any apple you love. Just make sure it’s firm enough to hold up in the salad for that perfect crunch.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite dairy-free alternative or stick with mayonnaise, which is naturally dairy-free. The salad will still be delicious and creamy.

How do I add extra fall flavor?

Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing, or even a handful of roasted butternut squash cubes. These little tweaks take the Fall Chicken Salad Recipe to new autumnal heights.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, and it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and add garnishes right before serving for the freshest presentation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that captures all the best parts of the season, this Fall Chicken Salad Recipe is it. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a salad that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a new fall favorite in your kitchen!

Fall Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Fall Chicken Salad Recipe combines tender cooked chicken breast with crisp apples, juicy red grapes, dried cranberries, crunchy celery and nuts, all tossed in a tangy Dijon and apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light, healthy meal or snack, this gluten-free salad embraces the flavors of autumn and is great for lunches, picnics, or easy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
1/2 cup diced apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
1/2 cup red grapes (halved)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted)
2 green onions (sliced)

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken, diced apple, halved red grapes, dried cranberries, chopped celery, toasted nuts, and sliced green onions. Gently stir to mix the salad components evenly.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly for balanced flavor throughout.
Adjust Seasoning and Chill: Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if needed. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad cool.
Serve and Garnish: Before serving, give the salad a final stir and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy on its own, in lettuce wraps, on croissants, or with your preferred crackers.

Notes

This salad can be served in lettuce wraps, on croissants, or with crackers for variety.
Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing for extra autumn-inspired flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American