Creamy & Crunchy: Healthy Dairy-Free Cashew Chicken Salad with Apples

This healthy cashew chicken salad with apples is a dairy-free and wholesome twist on a timeless classic. Crafted with nutritious ingredients like tender chicken breasts, crisp sweet apples, crunchy celery, raw cashews, and a luxuriously creamy dairy-free dressing, it’s a dish that promises both flavor and health benefits.

Whenever I find myself in a culinary rut, searching for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple, I consistently turn to this delightful healthy chicken salad recipe with apples. It stands out as my absolute favorite way to prepare a creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious chicken salad! Its versatility is unmatched – you can savor it as a classic sandwich, scoop it onto refreshing apple slices, enjoy it over a bed of vibrant spring mix as a light salad, or simply indulge in it as-is with some wholesome crackers, fresh fruit, and crisp veggies.

This recipe truly shines during the autumn months when fresh apples are in peak season, offering their natural sweetness and crisp texture. If you happen to find yourself with an abundance of apples, don’t stop here! You might also love my apple arugula salad or my incredibly easy and tasty air fryer apples – they’re both fantastic ways to enjoy this seasonal fruit!

However, the true heart and soul of this dairy-free chicken salad lies in its extraordinary dressing. Unlike traditional versions that often rely on heavy, dairy-based ingredients, our dressing is thoughtfully made with a blend of wholesome components designed to be both flavorful and health-conscious. It features an avocado oil-based mayonnaise for healthy fats, unsweetened almond milk Greek yogurt to provide a light creaminess, a touch of natural honey for subtle sweetness, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors with a gentle tang. This combination ensures a dressing that’s rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious, without any dairy.

If you’re anything like me and appreciate easy-to-make chicken recipes that don’t compromise on health or taste, then this cashew chicken salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. And if you’re looking for more quick and delicious chicken meals, be sure to explore my one-pan oven-baked fajitas and my vibrant grilled cilantro lime chicken – they’re perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cashew Chicken Salad

• Made with Clean, Wholesome Ingredients: What truly distinguishes this recipe as a healthy chicken salad is its commitment to using only clean, whole, and natural ingredients. It’s completely dairy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Instead of conventional mayonnaise, sour cream, or refined sugars, we opt for better-for-you alternatives like avocado oil-based mayonnaise, unsweetened almond milk Greek yogurt, and a touch of raw honey. These substitutions not only make the salad healthier but also contribute to a wonderfully fresh and vibrant flavor profile.
• Ideal for Meal Prepping Ahead of a Busy Week: Life gets hectic, and having nutritious meals ready to go is a game-changer. This healthy cashew chicken salad is perfect for meal prepping because it holds up beautifully in the fridge. In fact, the flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious on day two or three. It’s an excellent option for quick, satisfying lunches or light dinners throughout your busy week. Simply prepare a batch, store it in an airtight container, and enjoy it for up to five days.
• A Deliciously Dairy-Free Chicken Salad: For those who are dairy-sensitive or simply prefer to avoid dairy, this recipe is a dream come true. We’ve expertly crafted a creamy, light, and healthy dressing using a blend of quality avocado oil mayonnaise and almond milk Greek yogurt. This combination achieves the perfect texture and tang without any dairy products. If dairy isn’t a concern for you, feel free to use regular unsweetened Greek yogurt – just be sure to choose a high-quality, preferably organic, option for the best results.
• A Symphony of Flavors and Textures: Beyond its health benefits, this chicken salad is a true culinary delight. The tender, shredded chicken provides a hearty base, while crisp, sweet apples add a refreshing crunch and natural sweetness. The celery contributes an additional layer of crispness and a subtle earthy note. And of course, the raw cashews introduce a delightful nutty flavor and a satisfying textural contrast. All these elements are bound together by the luscious, tangy, and subtly sweet dairy-free dressing, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.

Essential Ingredients for Your Healthy Chicken Salad

Ingredient Notes & Smart Substitutions

A complete list of ingredients and precise amounts can be found in the recipe card below. Here, we’ll dive into some specific call-outs and provide helpful tips for choosing the cleanest and most wholesome ingredients.

CHICKEN – For this recipe, I typically use cooked and shredded chicken breast. Both shredded and finely chopped chicken will yield excellent results, so choose whichever texture you prefer. The goal is tender chicken that easily combines with the other ingredients.

Clean food tip: Whenever possible, prioritize organic chicken. Chickens certified as organic are raised without antibiotics and are fed organic feed, which means you’re avoiding potential contaminants. Beyond organic certification, I also look for labels like “Certified Humane Raised and Handled,” “Global Animal Partnership,” or “Animal Welfare Approved.” These certifications provide assurance that the chickens were raised in a way that respects their welfare, contributing to a higher quality and more ethical product. Choosing these options is a simple step towards a cleaner plate.

APPLE – I find that a sweet apple, such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, provides the best flavor contrast and delightful crunch in this salad. If you prefer a more tart profile, a Granny Smith apple would also work wonderfully, adding a zesty kick to the mix.

Clean food tip: Apples frequently appear on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen list due to high pesticide residues. For this reason, I strongly recommend opting for organic apples whenever you can to minimize your exposure.

CELERY – Celery adds a refreshing crispness and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Make sure to chop it finely for even distribution.

Clean food tip: Like apples, celery also consistently ranks on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen list, indicating a higher likelihood of pesticide residue. To ensure your salad remains as clean as possible, choosing organic celery is highly recommended.

MAYONNAISE – Conventional mayonnaise often gets a bad rap, and for good reason: many brands are made with unhealthy oils (like canola or soybean oil) and contain added sugars. To truly keep your healthy chicken salad clean and beneficial, selecting the right mayonnaise is crucial.

I highly recommend both Primal Kitchen and Sir Kensington’s mayonnaise brands. They are excellent choices because they exclusively use avocado oil and are free from added sugars, aligning perfectly with a clean eating approach.

If these specific brands aren’t available, always check the ingredient label carefully. Make sure that avocado oil is the *only* oil listed. Be wary of labels that state “made with avocado oil” but also include canola, sunflower, or other less healthy oils in their ingredients. A truly clean mayonnaise will be transparent about its oil content.

DAIRY-FREE GREEK YOGURT – To maintain the dairy-free nature of this recipe, I use Kite Hill unsweetened Greek-style almond milk yogurt (plain/unsweetened). I limit dairy in my diet, and this product provides the perfect creamy texture and slight tang without any compromise. However, if you are not dairy-free, you can certainly use regular Greek-style yogurt. Just be sure to choose an unsweetened variety to control the sugar content, and preferably an organic option for the best quality.

HONEY – Honey adds a subtle, natural sweetness to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you prefer to keep your salad entirely sugar-free, you can absolutely omit the honey without significantly impacting the deliciousness of the dish.

Clean food tip: When buying honey, always look for raw honey. Unlike regular honey, raw honey undergoes minimal processing, which helps it retain most of its natural nutrients, beneficial enzymes, and a higher concentration of antioxidants. It’s a healthier and more potent choice.

CASHEWS – The cashews are key to the “cashew chicken salad” name, providing a wonderful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. You have the option to use either raw cashews for a milder taste or roasted cashews for a deeper, more pronounced nutty note. Both work beautifully in this recipe, so choose based on your preference!

How to Make This Healthy Cashew Chicken Salad

Preparing this healthy cashew chicken salad is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps to bring this delicious meal to life:

1. Prepare the Dressing: Begin by creating the creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet dairy-free dressing. In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix everything until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. This ensures all the flavors are perfectly integrated.

2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, bring together the main components of your salad. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, the crisp chopped apples, the crunchy chopped celery, and the raw cashews. These are the building blocks of your flavorful chicken salad.

3. Mix Until Well-Combined: Pour the freshly prepared dairy-free dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Using a spoon or spatula, mix everything thoroughly until all the chicken, apples, celery, and cashews are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Ensure there are no dry spots, and every bite will be bursting with flavor.

And just like that, your healthy cashew chicken salad with apples is ready to be enjoyed! While it’s delicious immediately, allowing it to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour can further enhance the flavors as they meld beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Chicken Salad

Storage Instructions for Optimal Freshness

This ultimate healthy chicken salad is not only delicious but also incredibly practical for meal planning and food prep! Once prepared, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will maintain its freshness and delicious flavor for up to 5 days, making it an ideal option for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

A small note on the cashews: while they provide a fantastic initial crunch, they may soften slightly once they’ve been mixed into the salad for a day or so. If you prefer your cashews to remain perfectly crispy, a simple trick is to add them to your individual serving of chicken salad right before you’re about to eat it. This ensures maximum crunch in every bite!

Tips & Tricks for Customizing Your Healthy Cashew Chicken Salad

While this healthy cashew chicken salad is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these tips and tricks to make it uniquely yours:

• Add Some Fruit Variety: For an alternative or additional fruity sweetness, consider adding some grapes instead of, or in addition to, the apples. You can leave them whole for a burst of juice, but I personally love slicing them in half. Both red and green seedless grapes work beautifully, offering a different dimension of flavor and texture.
• Explore Different Nuts: If cashews aren’t your preference, or you simply want to try something new, this recipe is highly forgiving. Replace the cashews with crunchy sliced almonds, savory chopped pecans, or even toasted walnuts for a different nutty profile. Each option adds its own unique flavor and texture.
• Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Elevate the freshness and complexity of your chicken salad by stirring in some finely chopped fresh herbs. Dill adds a bright, slightly tangy note; chives offer a mild oniony flavor; thyme provides an earthy depth; tarragon brings a distinctive licorice-like aroma; and rosemary offers a piney, fragrant touch. Choose your favorite or combine a few for a gourmet twist.
• Creative Serving Suggestions: Beyond enjoying it straight from the bowl, this cashew chicken salad shines in various presentations. You absolutely can’t go wrong serving it as a classic sandwich. Since I follow a gluten-free diet, I often make delightful little chicken salad sliders using Simple Mills Artisan Bread mix, which is perfect for baking small buns. Other fantastic serving ideas include stuffing it into avocado halves, serving it in crisp lettuce cups, or alongside a medley of raw vegetables for a light and refreshing meal.
• Boost the Veggies: Feel free to toss in other finely diced vegetables for extra flavor, nutrition, and crunch. Options like finely chopped red onion (for a sharper bite), bell peppers (for color and sweetness), or even a handful of spinach can make a great addition.

Discover More Healthy & Delicious Salad Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the fresh, wholesome goodness of this cashew chicken salad, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other healthy salad creations. Each recipe is designed to be both nourishing and incredibly flavorful, making clean eating a delight:

If you make this fantastic recipe, please let me know what you think! Your feedback truly helps others discover and enjoy these recipes. I would be so grateful if you could leave a star rating and/or a comment below. And don’t forget to share a photo of your creation on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama! Your shares inspire me!

Eat Clean. Be Well!
-Sara