Description
This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of savory chicken, sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans, all tossed in a creamy lemon-mayo dressing. Ideal for a refreshing lunch or light dinner, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that can be served on sandwiches, in lettuce cups, or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- 1/3-1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Optional: 1-2 Tbsp fresh herbs (like tarragon, dill, or parsley)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with finely diced apple, toasted pecans, celery, and dried cranberries. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing Ingredients: Add 1/3 cup mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl. If using, add fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or parsley. Stir everything together thoroughly. If you prefer a creamier salad, add up to 1/2 cup mayonnaise until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste & Adjust: Sample the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors according to your preference.
- Serve & Store: Serve the chicken salad immediately on sandwiches, in lettuce cups, or as desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring freshness and flavor retention.
Notes
- This chicken salad recipe is a favorite for meal prep, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures.
- Use dried cranberries without added sugar for a healthier option.
- To toast pecans, briefly heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though this will alter the flavor.
- Fresh herbs add a bright flavor and can be adjusted or omitted based on availability and preference.
- Serve in gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps for a paleo-friendly and gluten-free meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- 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
