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
Scale
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.
