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Apple Pecan Chicken Salad on bun on plate.

Easy Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 283kcal
Author: Lauren
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!!
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Equipment

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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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! 
  • 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.
To store: store in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in fridge for up to 4-5 days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 heaping cup (159g) | Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.9g | Protein: 25.2g | Fat: 14.5g | Saturated Fat: 2.1g | Fiber: 3.7g | Sugar: 6g