Chicken Salad is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or party appetizer. This recipe combines tender rotisserie chicken with crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing to create a satisfying and refreshing meal. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this crowd-pleasing salad ready in no time. Whether served in a sandwich, alongside fresh fruit, or with crackers, this chicken salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

It’s an ideal recipe for meal prep, picnics, or when you’re in the mood for something light yet filling. You can also customize the ingredients based on your preferences, adding more veggies or spices to suit your taste. The combination of tangy Dijon mustard, honey, and creamy mayo makes for a perfectly balanced dressing that complements the other ingredients. Let’s get started with this simple, yet delicious Chicken Salad recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare

This chicken salad comes together quickly with minimal effort, thanks to the use of store-bought rotisserie chicken.

2. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

The dried cranberries provide a sweet contrast to the savory chicken and nuts, making each bite a burst of flavor.

3. Versatile Serving Options

Enjoy this salad in a croissant, alongside sliced apples, or with crackers—there’s no wrong way to serve it!

4. Healthy and Filling

Packed with lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the pecans, this salad is a nutritious meal option.

5. Customizable

Feel free to add or omit ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences, making this recipe easily adaptable.

Ingredients

Salad

2 cups prepared rotisserie chicken, diced
1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup dried cranberries
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup mayo
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy With

Croissants or other sandwich rolls, add some lettuce for a sandwich
Thinly sliced apples
Celery sticks
Crackers

Variations

Add Fresh Herbs: Try adding a handful of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.
Substitute Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangy and slightly lighter version of the dressing.
Use Different Nuts: If you prefer walnuts, almonds, or cashews, feel free to swap the pecans for another type of nut.
Add Grapes: For an extra pop of sweetness, toss in some halved grapes alongside the cranberries.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little heat in the salad.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Toast the Pecans (Optional)

Place the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast them until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Once toasted, set them aside to cool before chopping them finely.

2. Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced rotisserie chicken, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, thinly sliced celery, mayo, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds (if using), and lemon juice.

3. Season and Mix

Add salt and pepper to taste, then gently stir everything together until well coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken salad with your choice of sides: croissants, sliced apples, celery sticks, or crackers. This dish is perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Pecans for Extra Flavor: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add more honey or even a bit of maple syrup.
Make Ahead: This chicken salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick meal. The flavors will develop even more after a few hours.

How to Serve

In a Croissant Sandwich: For a classic chicken salad sandwich, serve the salad on soft croissants, adding lettuce for extra crunch.
With Crackers: For a light snack, serve the chicken salad with crackers for a satisfying bite.
As a Salad: Spoon the chicken salad over a bed of fresh greens for a healthier, lighter option.
With Fresh Fruit: Serve the salad alongside thinly sliced apples or grapes for a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-5 days. Make sure to check for any off smells or discoloration before eating.

Freezing

This chicken salad is not ideal for freezing, as the mayo and sour cream in the dressing can separate when thawed.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dish, as it is best served cold. Simply take it from the fridge and enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use any leftover cooked chicken you have, such as grilled or baked chicken.

2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will give the salad a slightly tangy flavor.

3. How long will this chicken salad last in the fridge?

It will last for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.

5. Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Yes, you can add grapes, apples, or even oranges for a fresh, fruity twist.

6. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or omit it altogether, though it adds a nice flavor balance.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread.

8. Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews are great substitutes for pecans.

9. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat.

10. Can I add more veggies to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or cucumber for added crunch.

Conclusion

This Chicken Salad recipe is a simple yet delicious dish that combines savory chicken, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all brought together by a creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying as a standalone meal, it’s versatile and easy to make. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and serve it with your choice of sides for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite!