If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors, delightful textures, and just the right touch of sweetness and crunch, then this Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect balance of creamy dressing, juicy chicken, crisp apples, and toasted pecans that come together in a way that’s both satisfying and super easy to whip up. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a picnic, or simply craving something vibrant and wholesome, this salad will brighten your day with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role to create a symphony of taste and texture. The beauty lies in how simple and straightforward these ingredients are, yet how they come together to make something truly special and colorful.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness that binds all the ingredients together perfectly.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Brings tanginess and a lighter texture, plus a healthful twist if you choose Greek yogurt.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle sharpness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Provides fresh acidity to brighten the flavors and prevent the salad from tasting flat.
- Fresh dill and parsley: These herbs add an herby freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor note.
- Pecans: Toasted to bring out their nuttiness, they add wonderful crunch and depth.
- Dried cranberries (optional): Provide a subtle sweetness and chewiness that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.
- Cooked chicken breast: The hearty star protein, diced into bite-sized cubes for easy eating.
- Seedless red grapes: Juicy pops of sweetness that complement the tartness of the apples.
- Green apple: Crisp and slightly tart, diced small to blend well while adding refreshing crunch.
- Celery: Adds a classic crispness and mild flavor to balance the salad.
- Red onion: Finely diced for a gentle punch of savory sharpness.
- Green onion: Adds a subtle mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill and parsley, salt, and pepper until the mixture is silky smooth. This dressing is the creamy, tangy base that will marry all the salad’s ingredients, so take your time to make sure it’s well blended.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
Next, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toss in the chopped pecans. Stir frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re aromatic and golden brown. Toasting brings out a deeper, richer flavor in the pecans that is absolutely crucial for that irresistible crunch and nuttiness.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, dried cranberries (if using), halved grapes, diced apple, celery, red onion, green onion, and the cooled toasted pecans. Gently fold in the dressing a little at a time, ensuring everything is evenly coated and creamy. The mix of juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing is what makes this salad stand out.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Before serving, give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it chilled on crispy lettuce wraps, buttery croissants, sandwich bread, or with your favorite crackers for an easy, elegant meal or snack.
How to Serve Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or a few fresh parsley leaves on top adds a lovely visual touch and an extra layer of flavor. You can also toss in a few whole grapes or extra diced apple pieces to make it really pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad, a bowl of fresh fruit, or even a warm soup. The contrasting temperatures and textures make your meal balanced without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the chicken salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe inside avocado halves for a pretty presentation and added creaminess. For a crowd, create a layered salad parfait jar with alternating greens and salad to keep things fresh and fun. Or stuff the salad into buttery croissants or pita pockets to turn it into a hearty sandwich that’s perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the apples and celery may soften a bit over time, but the flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated because freezing can alter the texture of the fresh fruit, celery, and dressing. For best results, avoid freezing leftover Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe.
Reheating
Since this salad is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge or at room temperature after a few minutes out of the refrigerator for the most vibrant flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut for this Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe. Just shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and you’re good to go.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of mayonnaise to keep the creaminess while adding a bit of tang. You can also try avocado or a mix of avocado and yogurt for a unique twist.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and swap out mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives like cashew cream or vegan yogurt. Toasted pecans and fresh apples still shine as the stars of the recipe.
Is it okay to omit the dried cranberries?
Yes, the cranberries are optional! They add a lovely chewy sweetness, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have any on hand, just skip them. The salad will still taste fantastic with all the other ingredients.
How long can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
This salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and toss it gently before serving. The flavors will deepen, though the apples and celery might soften slightly over time.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again, whether you need a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing potluck option. It’s fresh, easy, and boasts so many textures and flavors that every bite feels like a little celebration. I truly can’t recommend it enough — give it a try and watch it become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Apple Pecan Chicken Salad that combines tender chicken breast, crunchy pecans, sweet grapes, tart green apple, and a creamy herb dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic, this salad balances sweet and savory elements with a hint of dill and parsley.
Ingredients
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 lemon (juice only; about 2–3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- ½ cup pecans (roughly chopped)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (optional)
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast (diced into 1/2-inch cubes, about 1.5 pounds or 2–3 large chicken breasts, or 1 rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup seedless red grapes (halved or large ones quartered, about â…“ pound)
- 1 medium green apple (cored and diced into 1/4 inch pieces, about 1 cup)
- 2 sticks celery (finely diced about 1 cup)
- ½ medium red onion (finely diced, about ½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons green onion (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried cranberries, diced chicken, grapes, apple, celery, red onion, green onion, and toasted pecans. Gradually stir in the dressing, making sure everything is coated and the salad is creamy.
- Chill & serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled on lettuce wraps, croissants, sandwich bread, or with crackers.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier, tangier dressing.
- To save time, use cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning; they should be fragrant and slightly golden.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after chilling.
- Serve on croissants or in lettuce cups for a delicious sandwich alternative.
