Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Chicken salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines juicy rotisserie chicken with a medley of crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh vegetables, all brought together by a creamy dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a picnic dish, or a quick dinner option, this chicken salad is perfect for any occasion. The balance of textures and flavors—from the tangy Dijon mustard to the sweetness of honey and cranberries—creates a refreshing and satisfying meal. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences, whether you want to serve it on croissants, with crackers, or alongside fresh fruit. It’s a perfect go-to dish for gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead.

This recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it’s also highly adaptable. You can add more vegetables, switch up the protein, or alter the dressing to match your tastes. With its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this chicken salad will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making and eating this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

This chicken salad comes together in no time. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cuts down on preparation time, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

2. Versatile Ingredients

The ingredients are simple and flexible. You can easily swap out items based on what you have on hand or your preferences. For instance, substitute pecans with walnuts or add more veggies for extra crunch.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is great for prepping in advance. Make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and you’ll have a healthy and delicious lunch ready to go for the next few days.

4. Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a lunch, picnic, or just need a quick snack, this chicken salad is perfect. It pairs beautifully with croissants, apples, or crackers, making it a great dish to serve guests or bring to a gathering.

5. Healthy and Satisfying

Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the pecans, this chicken salad is both nutritious and filling. It’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on taste!

Ingredients

Salad

Prepared rotisserie chicken (diced)
Pecans (coarsely chopped)
Dried cranberries
Celery (thinly sliced)
Mayonnaise
Sour cream
Honey
Dijon-style mustard
Poppy seeds (optional)
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Enjoy With:

Croissants or sandwich rolls (add some lettuce for a sandwich)
Thinly sliced apples
Celery sticks
Crackers

Variations

Add More Veggies: For extra crunch and nutrition, you can include chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with a plant-based alternative like avocado or dairy-free yogurt.
Nut-Free Version: If you have a nut allergy, simply leave out the pecans or replace them with seeds such as sunflower seeds.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans (Optional)

Place pecans in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast them until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Once done, set aside to cool and then finely chop.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 3: Season and Mix

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up the chicken salad with your choice of sides. It’s delicious on croissants with lettuce, served with sliced apples, celery sticks, or crackers. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For ease and flavor, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. However, you can also use leftover cooked chicken or quickly cook some fresh chicken breasts if you prefer.
Season to Taste: Don’t forget to adjust the salt, pepper, and honey based on your personal preferences. The sweetness of the cranberries might influence how much honey you need.
Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the taste.
Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad, but it’s optional.

How to Serve

Chicken salad can be served in a variety of ways:

On a Croissant: For a decadent sandwich, spread the chicken salad on a soft croissant. Add lettuce for extra crunch and flavor.
With Crackers: Serve it as a dip with your favorite crackers, perfect for a quick snack.
Alongside Fresh Fruit: Pair the chicken salad with sliced apples, grapes, or any fresh fruit for a refreshing, balanced meal.
With Celery Sticks: For a lighter option, enjoy the salad with crunchy celery sticks for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3-5 days. Always check for any off smells or discoloration before eating.

Freezing

While the chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken mixture (without the dressing) for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and then mix with fresh dressing.

Reheating

This dish is typically served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just pull it out of the fridge when you’re ready to eat!

FAQs

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

Yes, you can cook and shred chicken breasts if you prefer fresh chicken.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the mayo and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan mayo or avocado.

3. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are more tart, so if you use them, consider adding a little more honey to balance the flavors.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick.

6. How long can I store the chicken salad?

It should be eaten within 3-5 days when stored in the fridge.

7. Can I freeze the chicken salad?

While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the chicken mixture (without dressing) for up to 2 months.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, chicken salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for the flavors to meld.

9. What sides go well with chicken salad?

Croissants, crackers, apple slices, and fresh vegetables are perfect sides to serve with chicken salad.

10. Can I use a different nut in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews for a different flavor.

Conclusion

This chicken salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and satisfying. The balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re serving it on croissants, with crackers, or alongside fresh fruit, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep, this recipe is one that you’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy!