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    Home » Main Dishes » Chicken Salad with Pecans and Apples

    Published: Jul 20, 2021 · Modified: Sep 25, 2021 by Pam

    Chicken Salad with Pecans and Apples

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    pin for Apple & Pecan Chicken Salad

    You’ll love this chicken salad with pecans and apples and it’s extra easy when made with rotisserie chicken. One unexpected ingredient makes it mouthwatering.

    chicken salad with pecans and apples on lettuce

    What kind of chicken is best in chicken salad?

    We would absolutely recommend that you use freshly cooked as opposed to canned chicken. We like the ease of using a rotisserie chicken that’s picked up at the store. Then it’s just a matter of cutting it off the bone and chopping into bite sized pieces.

    If you prefer all chicken breast in your salad you’ll want to use a couple of rotisserie chickens to get enough. Then you can always use the darker meat in soups or stews.

    Or, alternatively you can always cook your own. Then you have complete control over the seasoning and the type of meat used.

    What gives it the creaminess?

    apple pecan chicken salad on toast

    For our Rotisserie Chicken Salad – Buffalo Style we used a combination of plain Greek Yogurt and mayo. This version uses all mayo, but if you want to lighten it up by substituting part of the mayonaisse with yogurt, that would be fine.

    We’ve even seen chicken salad made with sour cream or part sour cream and part mayo. We love to experiment with recipes and want to encourage you to do the same.

    Did you figure out what the unexpected ingredient is? A teaspoon and a half of brown sugar doesn’t really make the chicken salad sweet. It just gives a bit of balance to the the saltiness.

    We always love it if you come back to comment and let us know when you modify a recipe.

    What add-ins are good besides pecans and apples?

    • Grapes are always a fun addition to chicken salad. We recommend cutting them in half.
    • Dried cranberries are perfect and give a fall feel to your salad, just like the apples and pecans.
    • A lot of folks like chopped onion in theirs. We’re not fans, but if you like it, this is definitely a judgment free zone.
    • Besides pecans, how about other nuts like almonds or walnuts?
    • Pineapple is an interesting addition that we love.
    • Other ideas? Let us know what you love with a comment below.
    apple pecan chicken salad on celery stick

    Tips for making Chicken Salad with Pecans

    This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on an affiliate link and buy something, we may receive a very small commission.  It does NOT result in additional charges to you or cost you anything extra. Click here for our full privacy and disclosure policy. As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    • If you can, make it at least a couple of hours before you want to serve and eat. The time for the flavors to blend are great, but not necessary if you’re rushed.
    • We love to chop our pecans with a mini food processor like this one.
    • Toast the pecans at 350 degrees for about 5-7 minutes. It really brings out the flavor! (for another treat using toasted pecans you’ll want to make Chocolate Covered Pecans – easy and so good!)
    • Use a variety of apple that’s firm, like a Granny Smith, Fuji or Honeycrisp. Whole Foods has an informative guide on how to choose and enjoy apples.
    chicken salad with pecans and apples on lettuce

    Whether you eat your chicken salad with pecans on a celery spear, make a sandwich out of it, or just have a scoop on a lettuce leaf you’re going to love it.

    Lunch may be the traditional time to eat chicken salad, but we like to make a light dinner from it – especially in the warm weather of summer. To make more of a meal you could round out your menu with Pasta Salad with Asparagus. It’s super easy with bottled dressing that gets “dressed up” a bit.

    Melon & Prosciutto Salad is served on a bed of greens and would be another great addition to your light summer meal.

    plate of chicken salad with pecans and apples

    Chicken Salad with Pecans and Apples

    Pam
    You'll love this chicken salad with pecans and apples and it's extra easy when made with rotisserie chicken. One unexpected ingredient makes it mouthwatering.
    4.72 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Ingredients
      

    • 3-3½ cups chicken cut into bite sized pieces 1 rotisserie chicken
    • ⅓-1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted toast at 350° for 5-7 minutes
    • ⅓ cup celery, finely diced
    • ½ cup diced apples
    • 1½ teaspoons brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¾ cup mayonaisse

    Instructions
     

    • Stir all ingredients together until blended.
    • For best flavor make the salad at least 2 hours before serving.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Categories: Fall Recipes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stephanie says

      July 20, 2021 at 3:42 pm

      5 stars
      Oooh my family loves chicken salad, but I’ve never tried it with pecans and apples in there! My aunt likes to use red grapes but I’m not a fan of that. I will have to try this out next time we make some.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 20, 2021 at 3:53 pm

        Hope you love it Stephanie!

        Reply
    2. Carrie Robinson says

      July 20, 2021 at 4:20 pm

      5 stars
      I just love a good chicken salad recipe! Definitely trying this one soon. 🙂

      Reply
    3. Beth says

      July 20, 2021 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      I love the addition of pecans and apples. I’m making this for lunch today and I’m so excited to try this!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 20, 2021 at 4:47 pm

        Hope you enjoy it Beth!

        Reply
    4. Jess says

      July 20, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      5 stars
      These are so yummy on a croissant! I will have to try them on celery next. Sounds delish!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 20, 2021 at 6:18 pm

        Mmmm…. a croissant does sound good.

        Reply
    5. Sara Welch says

      July 20, 2021 at 11:36 pm

      5 stars
      Served this for lunch today and it was an instant hit! Not only quick and easy, but perfectly creamy and delicious! Easily, a new favorite recipe!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        July 21, 2021 at 8:50 am

        yay! We’re so happy to hear that!

        Reply

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