Description
This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad is a deliciously balanced mix of savory chicken, sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all coated in a creamy mayonnaise dressing with a hint of lemon and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick meal-prep lunch or a flavorful sandwich filling, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
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 Ingredients
- 1/3-1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Optional: 1-2 Tablespoons fresh herbs (like tarragon, dill, or parsley)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, diced apple, toasted pecans, diced celery, and dried cranberries until well combined.
- Add Dressing Ingredients. Add 1/3 cup of mayonnaise along with fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs to the salad mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine, then add extra mayonnaise up to 1/2 cup if you prefer a creamier chicken salad.
- Taste & Adjust. Sample the salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve & Store. Serve immediately on sandwiches, in lettuce cups, or as desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- This chicken salad balances savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, making it a favorite for meal prep and lunches.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Use fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or parsley to enhance flavor, or omit if unavailable.
- Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.
- This recipe is gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
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
