Name: Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rotisserie chicken (diced); 1/2 cup pecans (coarsely chopped); 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 2 stalks celery (thinly sliced, 1/2 cup); 1/4 cup mayo; 2 tablespoons sour cream (light works!); 1 tablespoon honey; 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard; 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Croissants or sandwich rolls; Lettuce; Thinly sliced apples; Extra celery; Crackers (e.g., Wheat Thins)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something about a classic Chicken Salad Recipe that just feels like summer in a bowl, don’t you think? Whether you pack it into buttery croissants, scoop it onto crackers for a quick snack, or pile it high on crisp lettuce, this dish (full of tender chicken, toasty pecans, and juicy cranberries) delivers comfort and a pop of fresh flavor every time. This is the Chicken Salad Recipe I make when friends are coming over or when I need a fuss-free, satisfying lunch that doesn’t skimp on taste or color.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Salad Recipe is how each ingredient shines while blending harmoniously into every bite. Each element brings a unique flavor or texture, making this salad more than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need and why every piece counts:

Rotisserie chicken: Tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned — a time-saver that brings a satisfying base to the salad.
Pecans: Toasting them unlocks a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mixture.
Dried cranberries: These little gems provide a touch of tart sweetness and add a lovely burst of color.
Celery: Essential for a refreshing, crisp crunch in every forkful and a pretty green accent.
Mayo: The foundation for creaminess; feel free to use light if you prefer.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang that brightens up the dressing without weighing it down.
Honey: Just a drizzle enhances the cranberries and brings gentle sweetness.
Dijon-style mustard: Brings depth and a little zip to the creamy dressing.
Poppy seeds: For a delightful speckled look and a gentle, nutty pop in the background.
Lemon juice: Wakes up all the flavors and keeps the salad ultra fresh.
Salt and pepper: The dependable finishing touch for perfect seasoning.
Croissants or sandwich rolls: For sandwiches — soft, pillowy bread pairs perfectly with the creamy salad.
Lettuce: Crisp leaves make a wonderful bed for the salad or sandwich topping.
Thinly sliced apples, celery, and crackers: These all make tasty and crunchy accompaniments for serving.

How to Make Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Toasting the pecans isn’t strictly required, but I promise it’s worth the few extra minutes. Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once they release that nutty aroma and turn golden (usually after a few minutes), immediately take them off the heat so they don’t burn. Let them cool, then chop coarsely. Toasted pecans make every bite of this Chicken Salad Recipe feel a little more special.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl — you want plenty of room to toss everything together without crushing the ingredients. Add the diced rotisserie chicken, cooled and chopped pecans, dried cranberries, sliced celery, mayo, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. I recommend starting with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, then tasting and adjusting as needed. Stir everything gently until all the ingredients are well coated in that luscious dressing.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Give your salad a taste before declaring it finished. Depending on your preferences and the saltiness of your chicken, you may want a bit more salt, a touch more honey, or a squeeze more lemon. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — the best Chicken Salad Recipe is always the one that tastes just right to you.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon your finished chicken salad onto croissants (add a pile of crisp lettuce), scoop it up with sliced apples and crunchy celery, or simply serve it with crackers for snacking. However you choose to enjoy it, this dish is sure to disappear quickly!

How to Serve Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of extra chopped pecans or a sprinkle of poppy seeds on top brings a pretty finish and a little extra texture. Try a scattering of thinly sliced green onions or fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, if you want a burst of color and freshness to brighten up each serving.

Side Dishes

I love serving this Chicken Salad Recipe with a handful of potato chips, chilled grapes, or a simple green salad. Sliced cucumbers and sweet cherry tomatoes add cool crunch, while a cup of homemade soup turns it into a cozy lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving chicken salad in endive cups or small lettuce boats for a fun, bite-sized appetizer at parties. Layer it in mason jars for an easy picnic treat, or mound it atop toasted bread rounds for elegant, fuss-free hors d’oeuvres. There are so many ways to let this Chicken Salad Recipe shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Chicken Salad Recipe to an airtight container as soon as possible. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. You may notice some dressing settling or the salad looking a bit drier after a day or two; just give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this Chicken Salad Recipe, since the creamy dressing and crisp veggies will thaw out watery and lose their wonderful texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

This is a cold salad, so no reheating is necessary. If the mixture thickens up a bit or seems dry straight from the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes and give it a good stir. If needed, add a small spoonful of mayo or sour cream to revive the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! Any cooked chicken (shredded or diced) works in this Chicken Salad Recipe. Just make sure it’s seasoned and not too dry — you want those juicy bites.

Is there a good substitute for pecans?

You can swap in walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you prefer. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor and crunch to the salad.

What can I use instead of mayo for a lighter version?

Try Greek yogurt or a mixture of Greek yogurt and a touch of olive oil instead of mayo for a tangy, lighter twist in your Chicken Salad Recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

Can I make Chicken Salad Recipe a day in advance?

Yes! In fact, letting the flavors blend overnight can make it even better. Just store it in the fridge and stir before serving. Add extra fresh celery or pecans right before eating if you like a lot of crunch.

How do I make this Chicken Salad Recipe gluten-free?

The chicken salad itself is gluten-free as long as all of your ingredients (including mustard and mayo) are safe. Just serve it with gluten-free crackers, bread, or lettuce cups, and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels equal parts fresh, comforting, and endlessly versatile, you honestly can’t go wrong with this Chicken Salad Recipe. I hope you’ll give it a try — and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat!

Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This chicken salad recipe is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any time of the day. With tender rotisserie chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.

Instructions

Toast Pecans: Place pecans in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Be cautious not to burn them. Set aside to cool, then finely chop.
Combine: In a large bowl, mix all salad ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Enjoy the salad on a croissant with lettuce or pair it with apples, celery sticks, and crackers. Delight in this flavorful dish!