This Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. Featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp Honeycrisp apples, and crunchy roasted pecans, it offers a delightful variety of textures in every bite. Whether you are preparing a quick weekday lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is a versatile staple that comes together in just minutes.
The secret to this salad’s appeal is the creamy, tangy dressing made from a blend of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, lightened with a touch of honey and apple cider vinegar. It is an excellent way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken while creating a meal that feels sophisticated and fresh. Serve it on a bed of greens, tucked into a buttery croissant, or as a protein-packed snack with your favorite crackers.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup roasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the produce by washing and drying the apple, celery, and green onions.
- Finely chop the apple and celery, and thinly slice the green onions into small pieces.
- Roughly chop the roasted pecans and ensure the cooked chicken is shredded or cut into bite-sized chunks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth.
- Combine the chicken, chopped apple, celery, green onions, and pecans in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the whisked dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
This Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. Featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp Honeycrisp apples, and crunchy roasted pecans, it offers a delightful variety of textures in every bite. Whether you are preparing a quick weekday lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is a versatile staple that comes together in just minutes.
The secret to this salad’s appeal is the creamy, tangy dressing made from a blend of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, lightened with a touch of honey and apple cider vinegar. It is an excellent way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken while creating a meal that feels sophisticated and fresh. Serve it on a bed of greens, tucked into a buttery croissant, or simply with crackers for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.