Description
A delicious and refreshing Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken with sweet apples, crunchy toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and a creamy mayo-based dressing with lemon juice and fresh herbs. 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 Tbsp fresh herbs (like tarragon, dill, or parsley)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, finely diced apple, toasted pecans, finely diced celery, and dried cranberries. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing Ingredients. Add 1/3 cup of mayonnaise along with fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. If desired, add a few more tablespoons of mayonnaise depending on how creamy you prefer the salad.
- Taste & Adjust. Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to suit your preference.
- Serve & Store. Serve the salad 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 textures perfectly.
- Great for meal-prep lunches that are quick and easy to pack.
- Use your favorite fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or parsley to customize flavor.
- Can be served on gluten-free bread or wrapped in lettuce cups for a paleo-friendly option.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity to achieve desired creaminess and texture.
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: estimated 10.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.3 g
- Fiber: 2.3 g
- Protein: 15.3 g
- Cholesterol: 45.1 mg
