Looking for a delicious and healthy meal? Try this Apple Pecan Chicken Salad! It's packed with tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and tart apples, all tossed in a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad is quick to make and full of flavor.Enjoy a fresh, tasty twist on your meals!
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 large apple, diced (opt for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a refreshing tartness)
1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
1/3 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (alternative: mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier texture)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
A handful of fresh greens (such as spinach or mixed greens) for serving
![- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 large apple, diced (opt for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/3 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for texture) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh greens for serving - Additional nuts (walnuts or almonds) - Dried cranberries or raisins - Chopped fresh herbs (parsley or dill) The key to a great Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is fresh and high-quality ingredients. For the chicken, I prefer using cooked meat from a rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. The apples add a nice crunch. A tart apple like Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the honey. Pecans give a nutty flavor and a lovely texture. You can also add other nuts if you want more variety. If you like a bit of sweetness, dried cranberries or raisins make a fantastic addition. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill elevate the taste and add freshness. Make sure to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. The dressing is creamy yet light, thanks to the Greek yogurt. You can swap it for mayonnaise if you want a richer taste. Using fresh greens as a base not only adds nutrients but also makes the dish look vibrant and inviting. You can serve this salad as a light meal or a side dish. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty and well-balanced dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Combine chicken, apple, pecans, celery, and onion in a bowl. - Mix the dressing ingredients separately. - Fold the dressing into the chicken mixture. Start by taking a large bowl. In it, add your cooked chicken. I like to use shredded chicken for a nice texture. Next, toss in the diced apple. Choose a tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that fresh bite. Then, add the roughly chopped pecans for crunch, followed by finely chopped celery and red onion for flavor. In a separate smaller bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk this mix until it's smooth. Drizzle this dressing over your chicken mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything gently. Make sure all the ingredients are coated well. Taste it to see if you need more salt or pepper. - Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This wait time helps the flavors blend together. It also cools the salad, making it refreshing. - Serve on a bed of fresh greens. - Garnish with additional apple slices and pecans. When you’re ready to serve, lay down a bed of fresh greens on each plate. I love using spinach or mixed greens for color and freshness. Spoon the apple pecan chicken salad right on top. For an extra touch, add some apple slices and more pecans on the salad. This makes it look even more inviting. You can find the Full Recipe for this delightful dish to enjoy! Choosing the right apple is key. I love Granny Smith for its tartness. Honeycrisp adds a nice sweetness. Both give a great crunch. Balance is important in this dish. Adjusting the dressing can change the salad's texture. Use Greek yogurt for a light feel. If you want more creaminess, try mayonnaise. Mix in honey and mustard for flavor. Taste as you go to find your perfect blend. Plating the salad can make it shine. Start with fresh greens as a base. Spoon the salad in the center. Add extra apple slices and pecans on top for a pop. Using colorful ingredients adds visual appeal. Red onion and green celery create a nice contrast. A mix of colors makes the dish more inviting. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! Making the salad ahead saves time. Prepare it the night before for lunch. The flavors deepen as it sits in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. Eat within three days for the best taste. Always check for freshness before enjoying! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can change the chicken for other proteins. Turkey works well and tastes great. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a good choice. If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken. It saves you prep time and keeps the dish tasty. You can switch up the dressing too. For a creamier taste, try using ranch or blue cheese dressing. These add a rich flavor to the salad. If you prefer something lighter, make a vinaigrette. Mix olive oil, vinegar, and a bit of mustard for a fresh taste. The salad can change with the seasons. In summer, add berries like strawberries or blueberries for a sweet twist. They add a burst of color and flavor. As fall comes, roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or beets can enhance the salad. They bring warmth and depth to each bite. For the full recipe, check out the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad recipe. To keep your apple pecan chicken salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Ensure the lid fits tightly to keep air out. Store the salad in the fridge right after serving. This helps maintain its taste and texture. Your apple pecan chicken salad will last up to three days in the refrigerator. After this time, the salad may spoil. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell, discoloration, or a slimy texture. If you notice any of these, it's best to throw the salad away. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. To keep it fresh, store it in the fridge. Mix all the ingredients, but wait to add the dressing until you are ready to serve. This way, the salad stays crisp and tasty. Aim to eat it within two days for the best flavor. If you want a different option for Greek yogurt, try using sour cream. It has a similar texture and taste. You can also use mayonnaise if you want a creamier salad. For a lighter choice, plain cottage cheese works well, too. Yes, this salad is gluten-free! All the ingredients, like chicken, apples, and pecans, contain no gluten. Just be sure the dressing you choose does not have gluten. Most honey and mustard are safe, but double-check labels to be sure. To make this salad vegan, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Use a vegan yogurt or cashew cream in place of Greek yogurt. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for sweetness. These changes keep the flavor while fitting a vegan diet. This article guides you in making a tasty chicken salad. You learned about essential ingredients like chicken, apples, and pecans. I shared steps for mixing and chilling your salad for the best flavor. You can personalize it with various proteins and dressings. Storing leftovers can keep your meal fresh for days. Enjoying a salad doesn’t have to be dull. With these tips, your salad can be a fun, healthy dish. Try it out and impress your family or friends with your skills!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/4ff088ce-55dc-4552-bcc5-7735468b7378-250x250.webp)