This Healthy Apple Pecan Chicken Salad recipe 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!!

About This Recipe

Full of flavor and texture, this delicious chicken salad recipe makes for the PERFECT meal. It’s a great hearty salad that comes together super quick and makes a great protein-packed meal prep option to enjoy in so many ways all week long! 

Chicken salad is one of my favorite go-to healthy choices for lunch because it’s so easy and it’s a great way to ensure you are getting a high protein lunch without overcomplicating it. And one of the most delicious ways at that!

This Apple Pecan Chicken Salad recipe has such a nice flavor and is so perfect to prep in advance and eat all week. It holds up great in the fridge! I find that allowing the chicken salad to sit in the refrigerator helps the flavors develop more and really enhances the taste. Seriously, it’s at it’s prime day 3! 

There are so many ways to enjoy it too! Serve with crackers for a light easy lunch or over a bed of salad greens for a delicious low carb main meal. But of course, you can’t beat the classic chicken salad sandwich! My personal favorite way of serving this apple pecan chicken salad is on some ciabatta bread with red onions and arugula!

• Chicken- I used cooked chicken breast. My favorite chicken for recipes like this is my Basic Shredded Chicken. Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store or grilled chicken also works great! You could even use canned chicken or boil your own chicken. 
• Apple– I used a honey crisp apple. You can use a red apple or green apple for this recipe.
• Celery
• Pecans – even better when you toast them beforehand!
• Cranberries- I used reduced sugar dried cranberries.  
• Mayo– I used light mayo. Avocado mayo is also delicious with this. You could also use sour cream or plain greek yogurt if you’d prefer.
• Lemon juice – I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice for this recipe! 
• Sweetener– I used Swerve but any sweetener of choice works here. Monk fruit, Truvia, normal sugar, etc.
• Seasonings- salt, pepper, fresh dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and/or any other herbs you have on hand.
• Ciabatta bread or other bread of choice for serving (optional).
• Condiments for serving (optional). I love adding a little more mayo and dijon mustard!

This chicken salad recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. 

​A few fun variations include: 

• Switch up the nuts: use almonds or walnuts instead of pecans.
• Different dried fruits: use dried dates, raisins or fresh grapes in place of dried cranberries. 
• Use marinated chicken: ​use leftover balsamic chicken, smoky grilled chicken, pickle brined chicken, etc.

Equipment Needed 

• Vegetable chopper (optional) – this veggie chopper isn’t required but is a MAJOR time savor this type of recipe!

How To Make

1. Add the finely diced pecans to a small skillet over (toss with extra virgin olive oil or cooking spray 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. 

Keep your Apple Pecan Chicken Salad stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in fridge for up to 4-5 days.