Chicken Pecan Apple Salad (Printable)

Tender chicken, toasted pecans, apples, and creamy dressing create a fresh, satisfying salad.

# What You Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (approximately 10.5 oz)

→ Nuts

02 - 3/4 cup pecan halves, toasted and roughly chopped

→ Fruits & Vegetables

03 - 1 large apple, cored and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
05 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

→ Dressing

06 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
07 - 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon honey
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
13 - Mixed salad greens, for serving

# Steps:

01 - Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool, then chop roughly.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the chicken, toasted pecans, diced apple, sliced celery, and finely diced red onion.
03 - Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
06 - Serve chilled or at room temperature atop mixed salad greens and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pecan crunch against creamy dressing and tender chicken creates layers of texture that feel almost indulgent for something this healthy.
  • It comes together in 30 minutes flat, which means weeknight lunch doesn't have to be boring or from a takeout container.
  • The honey-Dijon dressing is addictive enough that you'll find yourself making extra just to have on hand.
02 -
  • The dressing needs to be whisked smooth before it meets the other ingredients, or you'll get pockets of mayonnaise that feel heavy and unpleasant.
  • Don't assemble this salad more than a few hours ahead; the apples will discolor and the pecans will soften if it sits too long. Make the dressing and prep your ingredients in advance, then combine everything just before eating.
03 -
  • Make the dressing a day ahead so the flavors have time to meld and deepen, then combine with the salad ingredients right before serving for maximum freshness.
  • Keep extra dressing on the side when serving—people always want more, and it transforms plain salad greens into something worth eating on their own.

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