I’m so happy to share this Apple Pecan Chicken Salad recipe with you because it is crisp, creamy, and full of simple flavors that feel bright and comforting at the same time. You get tender chicken, juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, and a smooth dressing that brings everything together in the easiest way. It feels fresh, a little sweet, and perfect for quick lunches. This is one of those recipes that tastes fancy but only takes a few minutes to make.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 10 minutes
Prep Time: about 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Yield: about 5 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made a bowl of chicken salad at home. I loved how the mix of crunchy fruit, soft chicken, and creamy dressing made something simple taste special.
This version brings together apples, pecans, grapes, and green onions, and the flavors balance in a really nice way. The dressing is creamy, a little tangy, and lightly sweet, which makes every spoonful taste bright and fresh.
It is great for busy days since you can make it quickly and keep it in the fridge for later. You can enjoy it for meal prep, a fast lunch, or a simple dinner when you want something tasty without a lot of work.
How to Make Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
This salad mixes fresh fruit, tender chicken, and a creamy dressing that feels both light and flavorful. Here is how it all comes together:
• Stir a simple dressing made with mayo, Greek yogurt, honey, vinegar, and mustard
• Add diced cooked chicken for a satisfying, protein filled base
• Mix in apples for crunch and sweetness
• Add grapes for juicy bites
• Fold in pecans for a nutty, toasty flavor
• Finish with green onions for a small pop of sharpness
• Chill the bowl so the flavors blend nicely
In the end you get a cool and refreshing salad that comes together fast and feels fun to eat.
Ingredients
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup sliced pecans
• 1 cup finely diced apples
• 1/2 cup seedless green grapes, roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup finely sliced green onions
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• For serving: sliced apples, bread, crackers, or lettuce leaves
Directions
- Make the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, stir the mayo, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Make sure the dressing looks well mixed before adding the other ingredients.
- Add the Chicken:
- Stir in the diced cooked chicken.
- Coat the chicken gently so the pieces stay tender.
- Add the Fruit and Nuts:
- Add the apples, grapes, pecans, and green onions to the bowl.
- Mix slowly so everything gets covered in dressing without crushing the fruit.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Try a small spoonful and add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a tiny bit more honey if you want more sweetness.
- Chill the Salad:
- Place the bowl in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
- You can eat it right away, but chilling makes it taste even better.
- Serve:
- Scoop the chicken salad onto bread, crackers, lettuce leaves, or enjoy it by itself.
Process Details
• Balancing the Dressing: The mix of mayo and Greek yogurt keeps the dressing creamy while still feeling light.
• Using Crisp Apples: Firm apples keep their shape and add a crunchy bite that makes the whole salad more exciting.
• Chopping Evenly: Small, even pieces help every bite taste the same and make the salad easier to scoop.
• Chilling Time: Resting the salad in the fridge gives the dressing time to soak into the chicken and fruit.
Tips for Success
• Use a cooked rotisserie chicken if you want this to be extra quick.
• Toast the pecans in a dry pan for a few minutes to boost their flavor.
• Swap the pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
• Add celery if you want even more crunch.
• Replace the mayo with extra Greek yogurt if you like a lighter dressing.
• Add dried cranberries for a sweeter twist.
Serving Ideas
• Spread on toasted bread for a cozy lunch.
• Spoon into lettuce cups for a crunchy, fresh meal.
• Serve with crackers or pita chips for snacking.
• Add it to a croissant for a simple, special brunch.
• Scoop into avocado halves for a refreshing and filling bowl.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
• Apples: They may darken slightly over time, but the dressing helps slow this down.
• Freezing: This recipe does not freeze well because the fruit and dressing change texture.
• Reheating: No heating is needed. Just stir before serving in case the dressing settles.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~260
• Protein: about 20g
• Carbohydrates: about 16g
• Fat: about 14g
• Fiber: about 2g
• Sodium: about 280mg
• Sugar: about 10g
This Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a simple mix of creamy, crunchy, and juicy flavors that makes lunch feel fun and satisfying. The apples and grapes keep it fresh, the pecans add richness, and the dressing ties it all together with a smooth, tangy taste.
I hope you enjoy making this salad as much as I do. It is easy, fast, and perfect for days when you want something tasty without much effort. Enjoy every bite!
