Description
A delicious and easy Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad combining tender chicken with fresh apples, crunchy pecans, dried cranberries, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing, 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
- 1/3-1/2 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. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing Ingredients: Add 1/3 cup of mayonnaise along with the fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Stir the mixture to combine thoroughly, adding more mayonnaise up to 1/2 cup if you prefer a creamier salad.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasoning by adding additional salt or pepper according to your preference.
- Serve & Store: Serve the chicken salad immediately on sandwiches, in lettuce cups, or as desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- This chicken salad offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors, making it a favorite for lunch or meal prep.
- Use gluten-free mayonnaise and check pecans if following a strict gluten-free or paleo diet.
- For added freshness, include 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, or parsley to enhance flavor.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise depending on how creamy you like your chicken salad.
- Store any leftovers properly chilled to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.75 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
