Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures in every bite. Made with tender chicken, crisp apples, and toasted pecans, all tossed in a light and flavorful dressing, this salad is both delicious and nutritious. Whether you serve it over a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or as a meal-prep favorite, it’s a versatile dish that’s easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. Fresh, satisfying, and full of flavor—this is one salad you’ll want to make again and again!
Equipment
- Cutting board: For chopping the apples, pecans, and chicken.
- Sharp knife: To dice the chicken and slice the apples cleanly.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl to toss all the ingredients together.
- Measuring cups & spoons: For accurate dressing and ingredient measurements.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: To mix everything evenly without crushing ingredients.
- Skillet or oven: If you need to toast the pecans for extra flavor.
- Grill pan or air fryer: If cooking the chicken from scratch.
- Mason jar or whisk: For making and storing homemade dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Cooked shredded chicken
- 1 Large apple, cored and chopped Honey crisp or Gala for a sweet touch
- ½ Cup Chopped pecans Toasted for extra crunch
- ¼ Dried cranberries For a tart contrast
- ¼ Cup Diced celery For a crisp bit
- ¼ Cup Greek yogurt For creaminess
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise Optional, for richness
- 2 tsp Apple cider vinegar To brighten flavors
- 1 tsp Honey, or to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Mixed greens or lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
- Combine the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the Main Ingredients: To the same bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped apple, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and diced celery. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over a bed of mixed greens or tucked inside lettuce leaves for a crisp, refreshing wrap.
Notes
How to Make This Salad Ahead of Time
If you want to prepare Apple Pecan Chicken Salad in advance, follow these simple steps to keep everything crisp and flavorful: ✅ Prep the ingredients separately: Chop the chicken, apples, and pecans ahead of time, but store them separately until you’re ready to assemble the salad. This prevents sogginess and keeps everything fresh.✅ Store the dressing separately: If you're making a homemade dressing, keep it in a sealed jar or container and only mix it into the salad when ready to serve. This keeps the ingredients from getting too soft.
✅ Prevent apples from browning: Toss apple slices in a little lemon juice or vinegar before storing them to keep them from turning brown. Pro Tip: Assemble individual portions in meal-prep containers, keeping the dressing on the side, so you can grab and go!
How to Store Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
To keep your salad fresh and flavorful, follow these storage guidelines: ✅ Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.✅ Dressing Storage: Keep homemade dressing in a sealed jar for up to one week in the fridge. Shake before using.
✅ Avoid freezing: Because of the fresh apples and creamy dressing, this salad does not freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh! Pro Tip: If storing leftovers, add an extra sprinkle of pecans just before serving to keep the crunch. By following these tips, you can enjoy Apple Pecan Chicken Salad anytime without worrying about soggy or wilted ingredients! Let me know if you’d like more meal-prep ideas! 😊