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Easy Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

This Healthy Apple Pecan Chicken Salad features tender chicken, sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries in a creamy, light creamy sauce! It is the best of ALL the combos, an easy one to whip up and guaranteed to be one of your new favorite recipes!!

Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 5
Calories: 283 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked and chilled shredded chicken (390g) my Basic Shredded Chicken recipe is great for chicken salads!
  • 1 cup apple (110g) finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks (70g) finely diced
  • 1/3 cup pecans (40g) finely diced
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sugar dried cranberries (40g)
  • 1/2 cup light mayo (120g)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (15g)
  • 1/2 Tbsp sugar or sweetener of choice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 Tbsp fresh chopped dill or any other herbs you have on hand (gives it so much flavor!)
  • Ciabatta bread or other bread of choice, for serving
  • Condiments of choice optional, for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the finely diced pecans to a small skillet (toss with oil or cooking spray first if desired), then toast over medium-low heat for 2-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown. Watch carefully so they don’t burn! Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the mayo, lemon juice, sweetener, salt, pepper and fresh herbs (if using). Then stir in the chicken, apples, pecans, celery and cranberries.
  3. Taste and add additional salt, seasonings or mayo as needed to reach desired taste/dressed consistency. Serve as a sandwich, on an open-faced piece of toast, in a tortilla or lettuce wrap, or eat straight up.

Notes

  • There are so many yummy, versatile ways to enjoy this chicken salad! 
  • To store: store in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in fridge for up to 4-5 days. 
  • Bed of greens. Serve over romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, spring mix or any greens of choice for a lunch or light dinner!
  • Toasted bread. Serve on a piece of ciabatta, whole grain bread, of any bread of choice for a classic choice that is delicious every time!
  • As a Wrap. Grab your favorite kind of tortilla and roll this chicken salad inside!
  • Rice cakes. On top of rice cakes. I love doing this when I’m in the mood for something crunchy!
  • Dip with chips. Grab some tortilla chips and dive in!
  • Lettuce Wraps. A delicious low carb option.
  • Pita bread. Stuff it in a pita brad for the perfect eat on-the-go lunch.
  • Cold lunch plate. Serve this chicken salad straight up on a cold lunch plate with fresh fruits.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 heaping cup (159g) Calories 283kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 12.9g (4%) Protein 25.2g (50%) Fat 14.5g (22%) Saturated Fat 2.1g (11%) Fiber 3.7g (15%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 283

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 heaping cup (159g)
Calories 283kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 12.9g 4%
Protein 25.2g 50%
Fat 14.5g 22%
Saturated Fat 2.1g 11%
Fiber 3.7g 15%
Sugar 6g 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.