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!!
4cupscooked and chilled shredded chicken (390g)my Basic Shredded Chicken recipe is great for chicken salads!
1cupapple (110g)finely diced
2celery stalks (70g)finely diced
1/3cuppecans (40g)finely diced
1/4cupreduced-sugar dried cranberries (40g)
1/2cuplight mayo (120g)
1Tbspfresh lemon juice (15g)
1/2Tbspsugar or sweetener of choice
1/2tspsalt
1/4tsppepper
2Tbspfresh chopped dillor any other herbs you have on hand (gives it so much flavor!)
Ciabatta breador other bread of choice, for serving
Condiments of choiceoptional, 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.