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Chicken Salad with Apricots, Celery, and Blue Cheese

This vibrant chicken salad with apricots, celery, and blue cheese offers a sophisticated balance of flavours and textures. Sweet, seasonal apricots pair beautifully with the salty tang of blue cheese, while fresh mint and a light buttermilk dressing provide a refreshing finish. It is a wonderful way to use shop-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick weekday meal that feels special enough for a weekend lunch.

As a diabetes-friendly recipe, this dish focuses on lean protein and high-fibre celery, keeping the added sugars to a minimum with just a touch of honey. The use of buttermilk ensures a creamy consistency without the heavy fats of a traditional mayonnaise-based dressing. Serve this colourful platter at the centre of the table for a nutritious, low-carb meal that everyone can enjoy.

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Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Apricots, Celery, and Blue Cheese

  • 1 small rotisserie chicken, skin removed, meat shredded (about 400g )

  • 1 bunch of celery, stalks separated, thinly sliced on a diagonal, leaves reserved

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 120ml buttermilk

  • 45ml white wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more

  • 3 large or 4 small apricots, sliced

  • 110g mild blue cheese, sliced into shards

  • 1 cup mint leaves

Toss chicken, celery stalks, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Let sit until ready to serve.

Whisk buttermilk, vinegar, honey, 1 teaspoon pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoons salt in a small bowl or measuring cup. Pour over celery mixture. Add apricots, blue cheese, mint, and celery leaves and toss just to coat.

Transfer salad to a platter and season with more pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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UK recipe editors

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UK recipe editors

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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