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    You are here: Home » Meal Type » Main Dishes

    Chicken Salad with Apples, Fennel, and Tangy Yogurt Dressing

    February 20, 2020 (updated March 20, 2024) by Danielle Esposti

    May contain affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy and disclosure.

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    Pinterest collage for a chicken salad recipe with apple and tangy yogurt dressing.
    Pinterest image for a chicken salad recipe with apple and tangy yogurt dressing.

    Reach for this healthy Chicken Salad with Apples and Fennel when you need a quick and easy lunch packed full of nutritious ingredients. Totally mayo-free, this chicken salad is dressed with a creamy yogurt dressing that’s full of flavor, but so light and refreshing. Perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy lunch, and naturally gluten free and grain free.

    Shredded chicken salad with apple, fennel, and yogurt dressing over arugula on a blue plate.
    Jump to:
    • How to Make This Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples
    • Tips for Making This Recipe Perfectly
    • More Healthy Meal Prep Salads
    • Chicken Salad with Apple, Fennel, and Tangy Yogurt Dressing
    • Ratings


    If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to your favorite mayo-based chicken salad, this is the recipe for you! This creamy, no mayo chicken salad is a yogurt-based alternative to the classic. It’s tossed with a tangy greek yogurt dressing and made with apples and fennel for extra flavor and texture.

    Serve this over your favorite greens for a healthy lunch, or fold into a wrap for lunch on-the-go.

    Side view, chicken salad with apples, grapes, fennel, and tangy yogurt dressing in a large mixing bowl.


    I just know you are going to adore this light and creamy chicken salad studded with apples, grapes, fennel, and pecans. The yogurt dressing is super flavorful and creamy, but light enough to allow the flavors of the other ingredients shine.

    How to Make This Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples

    Make this quick and easy chicken salad with rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts. It has a wonderful sweet flavor that isn’t overpowered by mayo, and it’s full of texture and color.

    Red grapes in a bag and thinly sliced fennel on a cutting board.
    • Gather your ingredients and slice and chop the produce.
    • I like to julienne the apples so I get a burst in every bite, but you can also thinly slice or cut them into a ½″ dice. Slice the grapes in half and thinly slice a bulb of fennel. 
    Shredded chicken in a bowl, and the ingredients for chicken salad with apples in a mixing bowl.
    • Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl along with the shredded chicken. 
    • Feel free to use a rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts.
    Apple chicken salad in a bowl and yogurt dressing in a measuring cup.
    • Make the dressing. Combine the greek yogurt with apple cider vinegar, whole grain mustard, salt and pepper, then whisk until smooth. 
    • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until combined. 
    A mixing bowl of chicken salad with apple, fennel, grapes, and yogurt dressing.


    Serve this on its own, folded into a wrap, or over your favorite baby greens for an extra punch of color and nutrition. This salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in a tightly sealed container.

    Shredded chicken salad with apple, fennel, and yogurt dressing over arugula on a blue plate.

    Tips for Making This Recipe Perfectly

    • Use a shredded rotisserie chicken to save time – you’ll get a combination of white and dark meat, which always adds more flavor. You can also poach chicken breasts in lightly salted simmering water for 10-12 minutes, then cool and shred. 
    • This chicken salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 or 4 days.
    • Use organic or pastured chicken if available, and select the freshest ingredients available for the boldest flavors.
    • I prefer full-fat greek yogurt for best flavor.

    More Healthy Meal Prep Salads

    • Healthy Chicken Salad with Almond Butter Dressing
    • Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
    • Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
    • Orange Chicken Salad Meal Prep Bowls
    • No Mayo Potato Salad
    Side view, apple chicken salad over arugula on a blue plate.

    Did you make this Chicken Salad with Apple, Fennel, and Tangy Yogurt Dressing? I’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.

    While you’re at it, let’s be friends – follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for the latest and greatest.

    Shredded chicken salad with apple, fennel, and yogurt dressing over arugula on a blue plate.

    Chicken Salad with Apple, Fennel, and Tangy Yogurt Dressing

    author: Danielle Esposti
    yield: 4 servings
    calories per serving: 379
    prep time: 10 minutes mins
    total time: 10 minutes mins
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    Description

    Make this quick and easy chicken salad with rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts. It has a wonderful sweet flavor that isn't overpowered by mayo, and it's full of texture and color.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 lb shredded chicken, about 3 cups
    • ½ bulb fennel, (about 1 cup), thinly sliced
    • 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced or julienned
    • 1 c red grapes, halved
    • ½ c pecans, toasted
    • ¼ c chopped parsley
    • 4 c baby greens, optional

    Yogurt Dressing

    • ½ c greek yogurt
    • 2 tablespoon cider vinegar
    • 2 teaspoon whole grain mustard
    • ½ teaspoon sea or kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

    Instructions

    • Gather your ingredients and slice and chop the produce.
    • Combine the shredded chicken, fennel, apple, grapes, pecans, and parsley in a large bowl.
    • Make the dressing. Combine the greek yogurt, cider vinegar, whole grain mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then whisk until combined. Pour the dressing over the chicken salad, then toss until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
    • Serve over 1 cup mixed greens, or in a lettuce wrap. Store in the fridge in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 days.

    Nutrition Facts

    serving size:
    calories per serving: 379 kcal
    total fat: 24g
    saturated fat: 6g
    monounsaturated fat: 0g
    polyunsaturated fat: 3g
    trans fat: 0g
    cholesterol: 85mg
    sodium: 1159mg
    protein: 25g
    total carbohydrates: 15g
    fiber: 2g
    sugars: 10g
    potassium: 281mg
    vitamin a: 12%
    vitamin c: 13%
    calcium: 11%
    iron: 7%
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Tag @oursaltykitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #oursaltykitchen!
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    Disclaimer: This post and the recipe card may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) if you make a purchase using these links. Rest assured, we only endorse products we own and truly love!

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    Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Dinner Salads, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Main Dishes

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    Welcome to OSK, we're so glad you're here! We share simple, seasonal recipes with bold, restaurant-quality flavors that any home cook can master (yes, even you!). You'll find cooking tutorials for beginners, inspired ideas for seasoned home cooks, and a sprinkle of sass for everyone.

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