Description
A delightful Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad combining tender chicken with crisp apples, toasted pecans, 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 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, diced celery, and dried cranberries.
- Add Dressing Ingredients: Stir in 1/3 cup mayonnaise along with fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If using fresh herbs, add them now. Mix thoroughly, adding extra mayonnaise as needed to achieve your preferred creaminess.
- Taste & Adjust: Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
- 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 salad balances savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, making it a versatile and satisfying meal prep option.
- Use dried cranberries with no added sugar for a healthier variant.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- For gluten-free and paleo-friendly diets, ensure mayonnaise and other ingredients meet those guidelines.
- Fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or parsley add refreshing flavor, but are optional.
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
