Chicken apple salad wraps are one of those recipes that feel light and refreshing yet still satisfying enough to count as a real meal. Tender chicken, crisp apples, crunchy celery, and a creamy, lightly sweet dressing come together in a way that’s both comforting and energizing. Wrapped in a soft tortilla, lettuce cup, or flatbread, this dish works beautifully for lunch, meal prep, or a quick dinner when you want something wholesome without feeling heavy.
What makes chicken apple salad wraps special is the balance. You get savory protein, natural sweetness from apples, and just enough creaminess to bind everything together—without overpowering the freshness. It’s a recipe that feels thoughtful, adaptable, and genuinely enjoyable to eat.
If you’re looking for a healthy wrap option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture, this is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Why Chicken Apple Salad Wraps Are So Popular
This recipe has lasting appeal for a few simple reasons:
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Great texture contrast: Tender chicken, crunchy apples, and crisp celery
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Naturally balanced flavor: Savory, slightly sweet, and lightly tangy
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Flexible serving options: Tortillas, lettuce wraps, or sandwich bread
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Meal-prep friendly: Holds up well in the fridge
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Easy to customize: Works with different dressings and add-ins
It’s also a smart way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken while turning it into something that feels fresh and intentional.
Equipment
Before you begin, gather these simple kitchen tools:
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Cutting board
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Sharp knife
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Mixing bowl
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Spoon or spatula
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Small bowl (for dressing)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Apple Salad
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2½ cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
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1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), finely chopped
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½ cup celery, finely diced
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¼ cup red onion or green onion, finely chopped
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⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (or a mix of both)
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
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¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
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¼ cup dried cranberries
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Fresh parsley or dill
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A drizzle of honey (if you like it slightly sweeter)
For Serving
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Large flour tortillas
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Whole wheat wraps
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Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using cooked chicken)
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Total Time: 15 minutes
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Servings: 4 wraps
How to Make Chicken Apple Salad Wraps
This recipe is simple, but attention to detail makes all the difference.
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken
Use cooked chicken breast or thigh meat. Dice it into small, even pieces or shred it finely so the salad is easy to scoop and wrap.
Rotisserie chicken works especially well and saves time.
Step 2. Chop the Apples and Vegetables
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Dice the apple into small cubes for even distribution.
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Chop celery finely for crunch without overpowering bites.
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Keep onion minimal and finely chopped for balance.
If prepping ahead, toss apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
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Dijon mustard
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Lemon juice or vinegar
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Salt and pepper
Taste and adjust. The dressing should be creamy with a gentle tang—not heavy.
Step 4. Combine the Salad
In a large bowl:
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Add chicken, apple, celery, and onion
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Pour dressing over the mixture
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Gently fold until evenly coated
Add nuts or dried fruit if using, then taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 5. Assemble the Wraps
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Lay wraps or lettuce leaves flat
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Spoon chicken apple salad down the center
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Fold and roll tightly
Serve immediately or wrap for later.
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Apple Salad
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Choose the right apple. Crisp apples hold texture better than soft varieties.
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Cut ingredients evenly. Smaller pieces make better wraps.
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Don’t overdress. Start with less dressing and add gradually.
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Chill before serving. A short rest in the fridge helps flavors meld.
Healthy Variations to Try
Lighter Version
Use all Greek yogurt and add extra lemon juice for brightness.
Dairy-Free Option
Use avocado or dairy-free mayo instead of yogurt.
Extra Protein Boost
Add chickpeas or extra chicken for a more filling wrap.
Herb-Forward Twist
Add fresh dill, parsley, or tarragon for a fresh, aromatic note.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken apple salad wraps are versatile and pair well with:
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Fresh fruit or berries
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Vegetable sticks with hummus
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A light soup or broth
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Baked sweet potato wedges
They also work beautifully as a sandwich filling or salad topper if you want to switch things up.
Nutritional Facts (Per Wrap, Approximate)
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Calories: 320–360
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Protein: 22–26g
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Carbohydrates: 24–30g
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Fat: 12–16g
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Fiber: 3–5g
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Sugar: 6–9g
Values vary based on dressing choice and wrap used.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
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Refrigeration: Store chicken apple salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Wrap separately: Assemble wraps just before eating to avoid sogginess.
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Lunch prep: Pack salad and wraps separately for best texture.
This recipe is excellent for weekday lunches and quick grab-and-go meals.
If you’re planning a quick lunch, try Lentil Curry with Coconut Milk, Caprese Sandwich, or Chicken Avocado Wrap.
Chicken Apple Salad Wraps
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Use cooked chicken breast or thigh meat. Dice it into small, even pieces or shred it finely so the salad is easy to scoop and wrap.
- Rotisserie chicken works especially well and saves time.
- Dice the apple into small cubes for even distribution.
- Chop celery finely for crunch without overpowering bites.
- Keep onion minimal and finely chopped for balance.
- If prepping ahead, toss apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Taste and adjust. The dressing should be creamy with a gentle tang—not heavy.
- In a large bowl:
- Add chicken, apple, celery, and onion
- Pour dressing over the mixture
- Gently fold until evenly coated
- Add nuts or dried fruit if using, then taste and adjust seasoning.
- Lay wraps or lettuce leaves flat
- Spoon chicken apple salad down the center
- Fold and roll tightly
- Serve immediately or wrap for later.
Conclusion
Chicken apple salad wraps are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something genuinely satisfying. The mix of savory chicken, crisp apples, and creamy dressing delivers freshness, crunch, and comfort all at once. It’s light without being boring, filling without being heavy, and flexible enough to suit almost any schedule or preference.
Whether you’re packing lunch, planning a healthy dinner, or looking for a fresh twist on chicken salad, these wraps offer flavor, balance, and reliability in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
1. What apples are best for chicken apple salad?
Crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well for up to three days when refrigerated.
3. Is Greek yogurt better than mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is lighter; mayonnaise adds richness. A mix works well.
4. Can I make this low-carb?
Serve it in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
5. Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Absolutely. Just store wraps and filling separately.