Name: Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Fuji apples, thinly sliced (or 1 to 2 cups apple chips); ½ cup pecans; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; Pickled onions, for serving; 1 cup cubed or shredded chicken breast; 8 cups spring greens; ½ cup sliced grape tomatoes; ⅓ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ cup champagne vinegar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon heavy cream; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons honey; Pinch of salt and pepper; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 38 reviews

If you’re craving a salad that perfectly balances crisp, sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, look no further than the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Recipe. This delightful dish combines juicy, thinly sliced Fuji apples with tender chicken breast, crunchy pecans, and zesty pickled onions, all tossed in a luscious creamy champagne vinaigrette. It’s an absolute favorite if you love salads that are both refreshing and satisfying enough to be a meal on their own. Plus, the color and textures make it an eye-catching delight on any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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The magic of this Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl. From the crispness of Fuji apples to the tangy punch of pickled onions and the creamy tang of gorgonzola, every component is essential for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Fuji apples: Use two thinly sliced Fuji apples for sweetness and crunch; apple chips work as a great alternative in a pinch.
Pecans: Half a cup of pecans adds a toasty, nutty crunch that complements the fruit and greens beautifully.
Brown sugar: One tablespoon to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples and pecans when combined.
Pickled onions: A tangy topping that adds brightness and depth to the salad’s flavor.
Chicken breast: One cup, cubed or shredded, gives the salad hearty protein and richness.
Spring greens: Eight cups bring fresh, tender leafy greens as a base that’s light and healthy.
Grape tomatoes: Half a cup sliced adds juicy bursts of flavor and vibrant color.
Gorgonzola cheese: A third of a cup, crumbled, for a creamy, salty contrast that elevates the salad.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
Champagne vinaigrette ingredients: Champagne vinegar, minced garlic, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil make a silky, tangy dressing that ties the salad components beautifully.

How to Make Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking together the champagne vinegar, minced garlic, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. This creamy champagne vinaigrette is key for adding that luxurious and tangy flavor that complements the apples and chicken superbly.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans with Brown Sugar

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans with the brown sugar until the nuts are fragrant and caramelized, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. This step enriches the nutty flavor and adds a lovely sweet crunch to the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the spring greens, sliced grapes tomatoes, crumbled gorgonzola, and cubed or shredded chicken breast. Toss gently so all ingredients are evenly mixed, laying the groundwork for a vibrant and hearty salad.

Step 4: Add Apples and Pecans

Gently fold in the thinly sliced Fuji apples and the toasted pecans. Their crisp textures and sweet-savory notes create a delightful contrast with the tender greens and chicken.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Pour the creamy champagne vinaigrette over the salad and toss lightly to coat all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 6: Garnish with Pickled Onions

Top the salad with a generous handful of pickled onions for a tangy, refreshing finish that instantly brightens the dish.

How to Serve Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Recipe

A close-up view of a white pan filled with toasted pecans coated in a glossy brown spice mix. The pecans are in one layer covering the pan's base, showing a rich mix of dark brown and lighter brown tones, with some spice bits scattered around. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, and you can see the pan’s light blue handle coming into view at the bottom left. The image is softly focused on the center pecans, giving a warm and cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding pickled onions is a must, but you can also consider fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra color and aroma. A light sprinkle of additional crumbled gorgonzola or crushed pecans makes the presentation even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. The bread is perfect for soaking up the vinaigrette, while the soup offers a cozy contrast to the fresh, crisp salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in individual mason jars layered attractively with greens, apples, chicken, and pecans for an impressive yet practical presentation. Alternatively, create salad wraps using large lettuce leaves for a light and portable meal option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To preserve texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the crispness of the apples and greens. To save time, you can freeze the cooked chicken breast separately, then combine fresh salad ingredients when ready to eat.

Reheating

If you’ve stored the chicken separately, warm it gently over low heat or microwave until heated through. The salad itself is best served cold or at room temperature to maintain all the wonderful textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute other apples for Fuji apples?

Absolutely! While Fuji apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala also work well in this salad, bringing their own unique sweetness and texture.

What if I don’t have gorgonzola cheese?

If gorgonzola isn’t on hand, crumbled blue cheese or even sharp feta can be tasty alternatives that provide a similar creamy, tangy flavor.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add more nuts or chickpeas for protein. The creamy champagne vinaigrette and crisp apples will still shine beautifully.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without compromising flavor. Just cube or shred the meat before adding to the salad.

How do I make pickled onions at home?

Quick pickled onions are easy to make by soaking thinly sliced red onions in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt for at least an hour. They add a wonderful tangy crunch that elevates this salad.

Final Thoughts

This Fuji Apple Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. Its harmony of crisp textures, vibrant colors, and bold flavors turns a simple salad into a memorable meal. Share it with friends or family and watch it become a permanent favorite—you’re going to love making this one again and again!