Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken Salad is a classic dish that combines the heartiness of rotisserie chicken with crunchy vegetables, sweet cranberries, and rich, creamy dressing. This salad is a versatile option for lunch, dinner, or a light snack, and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it on croissants, with crackers, or simply on its own, this chicken salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of toasted pecans and dried cranberries adds a delightful texture and sweetness that takes this simple dish to the next level. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Salad recipe is everything you want in a dish—quick, delicious, and satisfying. The rotisserie chicken saves you time and effort, while the creamy mayo and sour cream dressing binds everything together, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The toasted pecans bring a lovely crunch, and the dried cranberries offer a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients. It’s a balanced, flavorful meal that’s versatile enough to enjoy on croissants, crackers, or with fresh vegetables like apples and celery. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weekday lunch or a picnic, this chicken salad is the perfect solution for a tasty and convenient meal.

Ingredients

For the 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 (to taste)

For Serving:

• Croissants or other sandwich rolls (with lettuce)
• Thinly sliced apples
• Celery sticks
• Crackers

Variations

• Add fruits: For extra sweetness, try adding diced apples or grapes to the salad.
• Different nuts: If you prefer, you can swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture.
• Greek yogurt dressing: For a lighter option, substitute the mayo and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley or tarragon can add a burst of fresh flavor.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans (Optional)

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

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Salad

In a large bowl, combine the diced rotisserie chicken, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and sliced celery.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds (optional), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a smooth dressing.

Step 4: Combine the Salad and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the chicken salad with your choice of sides—either on croissants with lettuce, or with thinly sliced apples, celery sticks, and crackers for a light and satisfying meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use leftover chicken: This is an excellent recipe for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. You can also use cooked chicken breast or thighs if you prefer.
• Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans adds extra flavor and crunch. Just be sure not to burn them—keep stirring!
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, add more honey or dried cranberries. If you prefer a tangier version, increase the lemon juice or Dijon mustard.
• Make it lighter: For a lighter version of the dressing, you can substitute the mayo and sour cream with Greek yogurt.

How to Serve

This Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• On a sandwich: Serve the salad on croissants or other sandwich rolls, adding some lettuce for extra crunch and freshness.
• With fresh produce: Enjoy the salad alongside sliced apples, celery sticks, or fresh vegetables for a light and healthy option.
• With crackers: Pair the salad with your favorite crackers for a satisfying snack or meal.
• As a dip: You can also use this salad as a dip, serving it with chips or raw vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The flavors will meld and become even more delicious as it sits.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended because the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing may separate and lose its texture upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold. Simply remove it from the fridge and enjoy as is—there’s no need to reheat.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can cook and shred your own chicken breast or thighs if you prefer.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad a few hours ahead or the night before. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of nut?

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

4. Can I make this recipe without the sour cream?

Yes, you can use all mayonnaise if you prefer, or substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, depending on your preference.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure the croissants or rolls you serve it with are gluten-free if necessary.

7. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries provide sweetness and a chewy texture that fresh cranberries cannot. If you use fresh cranberries, you may need to sweeten them or substitute them with another fruit.

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

This salad will last for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

9. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can add some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

10. Can I make this recipe with mayonnaise alternatives?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with avocado or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

Conclusion

This Chicken Salad recipe is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. Whether you enjoy it on a sandwich, with fresh vegetables, or as a dip, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With its versatility and ability to be made ahead, it’s an ideal option for busy weekdays or a casual meal with friends and family. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, homemade chicken salad that’s sure to impress!

Print