Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 23 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors, featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp apples, toasted pecans, celery, dried cranberries, and a tangy mayonnaise dressing with fresh lemon juice and optional herbs. Ideal for meal prep, sandwiches, or lettuce cups, this salad is quick to prepare and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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 tablespoons fresh herbs (like tarragon, dill, or parsley)

Instructions

  1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced apple, toasted pecans, diced celery, and dried cranberries. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  2. Add Dressing Ingredients: Add 1/3 cup of mayonnaise along with fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs if using. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Add a few more tablespoons of mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier salad.
  3. Taste & Adjust: Sample the chicken salad and adjust seasoning by adding extra salt or pepper according to your preference.
  4. Serve & Store: Enjoy the chicken 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 is an excellent blend of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, making it a favorite recipe for meal prep lunches.
  • You can substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins if preferred.
  • For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise.
  • Fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or parsley enhance the flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • This recipe is gluten-free and paleo-friendly, suitable for many dietary needs.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3/4 cup chicken salad
  • 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

Find it online: https://plattertales.com/apple-cranberry-chicken-salad-recipe/