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Prepare to fall in love with chicken salad all over again with this autumn rendition. A fresh, seasonal twist on a timeless favorite, it’s the perfect blend of savory chicken, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and so much more.

A cracker loaded with chicken salad with apples.

Forget everything you thought you knew about chicken salad! While it’s a staple for summer picnics, this recipe is here to prove that creamy, protein-packed, satisfying goodness belongs on your table all year long. And while I love the zesty tang of my Dill Pickle Chicken Salad (and the spicy kick of Buffalo Chicken Salad), this autumn version holds a special place in my heart. Imagine a delightful blend of savory chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy Boursin cheese, perfectly complemented by the sweet-tart crunch of fall’s favorite fruits, nuts, and seeds. It’s all pulled together with a rich, savory-sweet poppyseed dressing in a celebration of autumn flavors.

Plus, this easy chicken salad is perfect for meal prep – make a batch on Sunday for delicious, ready-to-go lunches throughout the week. Enjoy it in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or over fresh greens.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Chicken Salad

I can’t get enough of this fall-inspired version of classic chicken salad. Here’s what makes it so special:

Seasonal flavors. Who says chicken salad is just for summer picnics? This recipe brings a taste of autumn to the table with sweet-tart apples, dried cherries, and nutty pecans, all tied together with a savory, creamy Dijon poppyseed dressing.
Texture play. Every bite offers a satisfying mix of textures. From crispy apples to crunchy bacon and pecans to chewy dried fruits and creamy Boursin cheese, there’s never a dull moment.
Meal prep magic. Super easy to make and even better the next day, this chicken salad is fabulous for fall meal prep. Enjoy it on sandwiches, over a bed of greens, in lettuce wraps…the list goes on (see the section below titled “Ways to Enjoy Your Chicken Salad”).

Labeled ingredients for autumn chicken salad with apples.

Key Ingredients

Head on over to the store and grab your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need (see the recipe card below for exact measurements):

Shredded rotisserie chicken – Rotisserie chicken is one of my favorite life-saver ingredients for busy days. There are just so many ways you can use it, and this is certainly a favorite.
Cooked bacon – Diced. I like mine nice and crispy, so it maintains some crunch.
Boursin crumbles – Crumbled feta would also do the trick.
Honeycrisp apples – Diced. If you prefer a different kind of apple, be my guest. Granny Smiths would be nice.
Chopped tart dried cherries – Dried cranberries would also work.
Golden raisins – Or traditional raisins. They pretty much taste the same, so it’s more of an aesthetic choice.
Chopped pecans – You can use walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead if you prefer.
Pumpkin seeds – Also known as pepitas, pumpkin seeds add a wonderful crunch and extra fall vibes to this salad. Sunflower seeds will work in a pinch.

Honey Dijon Poppyseed Dressing

Mayonnaise – A combination of plain Greek yogurt (ideally full-fat) and mayo would work, too. You can use avocado mayo or vegan mayo instead.
Dijon mustard – Some Dijons are coarser than others. I prefer a smoother mustard for this recipe, but the choice is yours.
Honey – Or maple syrup if you really want to drive home that cozy fall feel.
White balsamic vinegar – To add some tang. Apple cider vinegar is a fine alternative.
Grated onion – The onion will release some juices as you grate it. Use those in the dressing for the best flavor.
Poppyseeds – Nutty and slightly sweet, poppyseeds add a special little kick to this dressing.
Salt and pepper – To taste. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ideally.

How to Make Chicken Salad with Apples

This salad is wonderfully easy to make. Just some whisking and mixing. Here’s a quick look at how it’s done (see the recipe card below for more detailed instructions):

Make the dressing. Whisk together the mayo, mustard, honey, balsamic, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper.

Process shot showing how to assemble and dress autumn chicken salad.

Build the salad. Mix together the chicken, bacon, cheese, apples, dried fruit, pecans, and pumpkin seeds.
Dress the salad. Toss the chicken mixture with most of the dressing, adding more as needed.

Tips for Success

This is a wonderfully simple recipe. Nonetheless, I’ve got some pro tips for you:

Uniform pieces. When shredding the chicken and dicing the apple, aim for even-sized pieces. I just think this makes the salad more pleasant to eat.
Use that onion juice. When you grate the onion, it will release some of its juices. Use those in the dressing for the best flavor.
Let it rest. This chicken salad will taste even better if you let it sit for a couple of hours (in the fridge) before serving. The dressing really sinks into the chicken over time, amping up the overall flavor of the dish.
Any chicken will do. If you’re not a fan of rotisserie chicken (or just don’t have any on hand), you can roast some chicken breasts (or thighs) and use those instead. Got leftover chicken? Use that.

Variation Ideas

Want to put your own spin on this autumn chicken salad? Here are a few fun ways to keep things interesting:

Cheese swap. I used Boursin crumbles, but feta is another great option. Goat cheese would also be yum. Looking for a little extra spunk? Try some crumbled blue cheese or shredded sharp cheddar.
Protein power-ups. Add a couple of chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and creaminess.
Fruity swaps. Instead of (or in addition to) apples, consider halved grapes or diced pears (Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal).
Veggie boost. Take this salad up a notch with finely diced celery or bell peppers for extra crunch, freshness, and a burst of color.
Herby additions. Toss some chopped fresh parsley or chives into the mix for a fresh, aromatic kick.

Ways to Enjoy Your Chicken Salad

Make the most of your chicken salad with these fun (varied) uses:

In a sandwich. Whether it’s between two slices of your favorite sourdough or tucked into a croissant, it’s hard to go wrong with a chicken salad sandwich. I like throwing some crispy romaine in there as well. Prefer a Mediterranean feel? Load up some pita pockets.
Lettuce wraps. Going for a low-carb approach? Stuff this chicken salad into lettuce wraps. Romaine or butter lettuce would be ideal.
Over a bed of greens. You can also serve a scoop or two of this chicken salad over a bed of greens. Toss the greens with some of the poppyseed dressing first.
With your favorite dippables. Crackers, pita chips, crunchy veggies (like celery or sliced bell peppers), or even pretzel crisps are ideal for scooping up this chicken salad. What a great snack and/or party app!

Autumn chicken salad in a bowl with crackers.

How to Store

Refrigerator. Seal any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. I actually think it tastes even better on day two!
Freezer. This chicken salad doesn’t thaw well. The dressing turns watery. So, if you must freeze it, do so before tossing it with the dressing. Seal the undressed chicken salad in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge, whip up a fresh batch of dressing, and toss it all together.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

I’m a big chicken person. It’s so convenient and easy, and there are so many ways to use it. Here are a few more favorite chicken-centric recipes:

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for my Autumn Chicken Salad with Apples! I look forward to your questions and feedback below.

Please be sure to tag me @BadBatchBaking using hashtag #badbatchbaking if you made this recipe, and I will feature you on my story! Plus, I LOVE to see your baking accomplishments.

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Autumn Chicken Salad