Description
A delicious and refreshing Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad combining tender chicken with crisp apples, toasted pecans, celery, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise and lemon juice dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce cups, or as a meal-prep lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Salad
- 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 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, celery, and dried cranberries. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing Ingredients. Add 1/3 cup mayonnaise along with fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Stir well to combine. Add additional mayonnaise, up to 1/2 cup total, depending on desired creaminess.
- Taste & Adjust. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings according to your preference to balance flavors perfectly.
- Serve & Store. Enjoy 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 combines savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements for a balanced flavor and texture profile.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice tang and crunch.
- Toasted pecans add a rich nutty flavor; walnuts or almonds can be substituted if desired.
- The salad is gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
- Fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or parsley add a bright herbal note but are optional.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity to achieve preferred consistency and creaminess.
- Perfect for meal prep lunches or light dinners, served on bread, crackers, or lettuce cups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 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
