Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad that combines tender chicken with crisp apples, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries, tossed in a creamy mayonnaise and lemon dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce cups, or as a meal-prep lunch option.
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
- 1/3-1/2 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, combine the cooked chicken, finely diced apple, toasted pecans, diced celery, and dried cranberries.
- Add Dressing Ingredients: Add 1/3 cup mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl. If using fresh herbs, add them now. Stir everything together thoroughly. Add more mayonnaise if needed to reach your preferred level of creaminess.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasoning by adding additional salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
- Serve & Store: Serve 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 balances savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors perfectly.
- Use toasted pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity based on your preference for creaminess.
- Fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or parsley add extra freshness and aroma.
- Great for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge for several days.
- Gluten-Free and Paleo-Friendly when using suitable mayonnaise.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.75 cup
- Calories: 267 kcal
- Sugar: 9.2 g
- Sodium: 436 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
