Apple Walnut Chicken Salad
a high protein meal prep recipe
I have the easiest, no-fuss apple walnut chicken salad recipe for you. I made it up based on ingredients I already had sitting in my fridge (that’s my superpower actually). I am aiming to eat over 100g of protein a day. And that means I need to get creative! It’s getting hot here in Florida so I am no longer craving warm chicken soup anymore. I am craving fresh, chilled salads. This apple walnut chicken salad has about 15g of protein in 1 serving (1 cup) and it’s low in carbs.
Cool things that happen in the body when you eat this!
The apples in this recipe have a fiber called pectin. Pectin is a powerful detoxifier. It binds with toxins and escorts them out of the body.
The celery has vitamin B5, which helps make anti-stress hormones. It’s great for maintaining healthy skin and hair!
The chicken contains a mineral called chromium. It’s essential for balancing blood sugar and reducing cravings!!
This recipe is for you if…
You’re tired of boring lunches. I was stuck in the “what should I make for lunch” this week rut. This is something I made this week on Sunday, and now Troy and I can enjoy it for lunch (or dinner) all week long! I also prefer it as snack throughout the week. I can eat it as it, with crackers or on fresh sourdough.
You don’t want to actually cook every day. It takes about 40 minutes (most of the time is spent waiting for the chicken to boil). Once it’s made, you can leave it in the fridge and enjoy it chilled all week long!
You wan’t a high-protein, satisfying meal. It has healthy fats, protein and healthy carbs. Giving you a boost of energy and helping you feel satiated after.
You struggle with meal prep that actually tastes good. Meal prep can sometimes get soggy or gross as leftovers. This one honestly get’s better as it sits in the fridge.
Meal Prep Chicken Salad Recipe
Great for my beginner friendly chefs. Try this out and watch it become a repeat in your monthly menu!
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs chicken breast
5 stalks celery, diced
1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries (or cherries)
1 apple, diced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup mayo
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Directions:
Cook the chicken: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and let them simmer for about 30 minutes until fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the water and place it in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer on low, shred the chicken in seconds!
Here’s a video to show you how easy this hack is!👇🏼
Mix it up: Add the diced celery, apples, dried cranberries, parsley, walnuts, and seasonings into the big bowl. Spoon in the mayo and stir until everything is well combined.
Taste & adjust: Want it creamier? Add more mayo. Need more crunch? Toss in extra celery or nuts!
Transfer to a meal prep container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Ingredient substitutions!
No walnuts? Use pecans or almonds. If you are nut-free use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
No dried cranberries? Swap for raisins or chopped dates.
No parsley? Try fresh dill or chives. The dried version of this works too!
Want more protein? Add in a chopped hard-boiled egg!
Don’t like mayo? Swap it for plain greek yogurt!
Don’t have apples? Use diced grapes!
Q&A
❓ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Totally boo! Just shred about 3 cups of rotisserie chicken and mix everything as usual.
❓ Can I swap the mayo?
Yes! Try Greek yogurt for a lighter version, with added protein!
❓ What can I serve this with?
Enjoy it on sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with crackers for a snack plate.
❓ Can I make it dairy-free?
This recipe is already dairy-free! Just check that your mayo is dairy-free too.
Let me know if you have any questions on this recipe or if you have a variation you make and love, share it with us below! Would love to get inspired by your ideas!
What’s new in my world!
Last week was my birthday! I turned 34 years old. I told my husband a few years ago - I really really like my birthday. I think it’s fun to celebrate. I said, “please make it a big deal and I don’t want it to be like any other day” 🙃
He surprised me with the full day plan! Flowers in the morning, he set up an early morning beach walk with my girlfriends (I would have NEVER planned that for myself as I always feel there is “too much to do.”) I took Olive to her weekly music class. I had a project I was working on, so I finished that up during the day and he got us a sitter at night! He took me for a walk by the water, then made reservations for an incredible resturant I have been wanting to try. We were in bed by 8:30 PM, I was reading my kindle and my heart was full from love!! Thank you for the birthday wishes!
In case you missed it!
Crispy air fryer buffalo chicken tenders - great air fryer meal prep recipe for my buffalo chicken lovers! It’s lighter than wings, and way less oil!
Grocery haul for a healthy re-set - here’s everything I buy at the grocery store for a healthy family re-set! Includes my breakfast, lunches and dinners!
Healthy homemade no-bake protein bars - I love making my own bars because I get to control the quality of ingredients, it just saves so much $ and there is no baking required, making them extra beginner friendly!
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Thank you! This is wonderful!
Happy happy birthday!