Description
A delightful Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken with crisp apples, toasted pecans, celery, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing with fresh lemon juice and herbs. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce cups, or meal prep lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz. cooked and cubed or shredded chicken (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup finely diced apple
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- 1/3 cup finely diced celery
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Optional: 1-2 Tablespoons fresh herbs (such as tarragon, dill, or parsley)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, finely diced apple, toasted pecans, diced celery, and dried cranberries.
- Add Dressing Ingredients: Add 1/3 cup mayonnaise along with the fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs if using. Stir everything together until well mixed. Add more mayonnaise by a few tablespoons if you prefer a creamier chicken salad.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired to suit your preference.
- Serve & Store: Enjoy the chicken salad immediately on sandwiches or in lettuce cups. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- This chicken salad is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors.
- Ideal for meal prepping lunches or quick meals throughout the week.
- Gluten-free and paleo-friendly when using compliant mayo.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Use fresh herbs to add a burst of freshness and customization to the salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup chicken salad
- Calories: 267 kcal
- Sugar: 9.2 g
- Sodium: 435.6 mg
- Fat: 15.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.3 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Protein: 15.3 g
- Cholesterol: 45.1 mg
