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Front view of an apple cranberry chicken salad sandwich made with a gluten-free bun on a white plate.

Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad

4.92 from 12 votes
Emily Dixon, One Lovely Life
This chicken salad with apples is one of my favorite chicken salad recipes of all time! It's the perfect combination of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy. A delicious meal-prep lunch! Don't miss all our serving ideas below! (Gluten-Free, Paleo-Friendly)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Print Pin
Servings: 4 cups chicken salad
Calories: 267kcal

Ingredients

FOR THE APPLE CRANBERRY CHICKEN SALAD:

  • 12 oz. cooked and cubed or shredded chicken about 3 cups
  • 1 cup finely diced apple
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/3 cup finely diced celery
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries*
  • 1/3-1/2 cup mayonnaise*
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Optional: 1-2 Tbsp fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or parsley.

Instructions

  • Combine Salad Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine chicken, apple, pecans, celery and cranberries.
  • Add Dressing Ingredients. Add 1/3 cup mayo along with the lemon juice, salt, and pepper (and herbs, if using). Stir to combine, adding a few more tablespoons of mayo, if desired, depending on how well-dressed you prefer your chicken salad.
  • Taste & Adjust, adding additional salt or seasonings, to taste.
  • Serve & Store. Enjoy chicken mixture right away on sandwiches or in lettuce cups. Or, store leftover chicken salad an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. 

Notes

  • *PALEO NOTES: Use paleo-approved mayo (like Primal Kitchen), and naturally sweetened cranberries, like Made in Nature brand (sweetened with apple juice)

VARIATIONS TO TRY:

  • MIX UP THE NUTS! Try in walnuts, toasted almonds, or salty cashews instead of the toasted pecans.
  • ADD GRAPES. Add as many or few as you like! (1/2 cup halved or quartered grapes is a good place to start!)
  • ADD GREEN ONION. A sliced green onion can be a great addition!
  • TRY SOME FRESH HERBS. 1-2 Tbsp. of parsley, dill, or tarragon can be lovely.
  • ADD A PINCH OF CURRY POWDER. Add a little bit (1/4-1/2 tsp. or so) curry powder.

SERVING IDEAS TO TRY

  • Dip with crackers
  • Wrap in a tortilla
  • Serve on bread, rolls, buns, or croissants.
  • Scoop over salad greens
  • Spoon into lettuce leaves for lettuce wraps
  • Serve on thinly sliced apples or jicama slices

Video

Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple chicken salad, apple cranberry chicken salad, Chicken Salad with Apples, Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad, cranberry pecan chicken salad, Fall Chicken Salad

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75(3/4) cup chicken salad | Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.3g | Protein: 15.3g | Fat: 15.3g | Saturated Fat: 2.4g | Cholesterol: 45.1mg | Sodium: 435.6mg | Fiber: 2.3g | Sugar: 9.2g

Nutrition facts are an estimate only and will vary based on brands and amounts used.

Find it Online:

https://www.onelovelylife.com/apple-cranberry-chicken-salad/