Chicken salad is a classic dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual lunches to light dinners. This recipe takes advantage of the delicious and convenient rotisserie chicken, combining it with crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh vegetables for a well-balanced dish. The creamy dressing made with mayo, sour cream, honey, and Dijon mustard brings everything together in a delightful, smooth mixture that’s bursting with flavor. Whether served in a croissant, alongside apples and crackers, or as a standalone meal, this chicken salad is sure to satisfy.

The beauty of chicken salad lies in its versatility. This recipe can be customized with a variety of add-ins and served in many ways, from a sandwich filling to a refreshing side dish. The poppy seeds offer an optional touch of elegance, adding a slight crunch and visual appeal. This dish is simple to prepare and stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or as a quick lunch option.

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make salad that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal, this chicken salad is a great choice. With a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

With rotisserie chicken as the base, this salad comes together in just minutes, perfect for busy days when you need a quick meal.

2. Versatile Serving Options

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a sandwich, a salad, or served with sides like apples, celery sticks, or crackers.

3. Packed with Flavor

The combination of pecans, cranberries, and the creamy dressing brings a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors—sweet, savory, crunchy, and smooth.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Store this salad in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or snacks throughout the week.

5. Customizable

You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste, adding or omitting ingredients like the poppy seeds or swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt.

Ingredients

2 cups prepared rotisserie chicken, diced
½ cup pecans, coarsely chopped
⅓ cup dried cranberries
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced (½ cup)
¼ cup mayo
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon honey
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1 ½ teaspoons poppy seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

Add More Fruits: Consider adding diced apples, grapes, or pears for a sweet twist.
Use Greek Yogurt: For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Swap Nuts: Instead of pecans, try using walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different nutty flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to give the salad a spicy edge.
Herbs and Fresh Greens: Fresh parsley, dill, or chives can add extra flavor and color.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1:

If desired, toast the pecans by placing them in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until fragrant, then set aside to cool. Once cooled, finely chop the pecans.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, combine the diced rotisserie chicken, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, thinly sliced celery, and poppy seeds (if using).

Step 3:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 4:

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or honey as desired.

Step 5:

Serve your chicken salad with your preferred sides, such as croissants, crackers, or fresh apple slices. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans adds a deeper flavor and crunch, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings, especially with the mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Taste and make it your own.
Chill Before Serving: For best results, chill the chicken salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
Use Fresh Chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use freshly cooked chicken breast or thigh meat.

How to Serve

This chicken salad can be enjoyed in many ways:

On a Croissant or Sandwich Roll: Add lettuce and scoop the chicken salad into a croissant or other sandwich roll for a hearty, satisfying lunch.
With Apples or Celery Sticks: For a lighter meal, pair the chicken salad with thinly sliced apples or crunchy celery sticks.
On Crackers: For a quick snack or appetizer, serve the chicken salad on your favorite crackers.
As a Standalone Salad: Enjoy it as-is on a bed of leafy greens for a refreshing salad.

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 continue to develop as it sits, but it’s best enjoyed within this time frame.

Freezing

Freezing chicken salad is not recommended, as the mayo and sour cream may separate when thawed, altering the texture of the dish.

Reheating

This chicken salad is typically served cold, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat it in a pan. However, be cautious not to overheat it, as this may affect the texture of the salad.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use freshly cooked chicken. Just make sure it’s diced into small pieces to match the texture of rotisserie chicken.

2. Can I make this recipe without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use more mayo if preferred.

3. How long will the chicken salad last in the fridge?

It will last for up to 3-5 days in an airtight container. Always check for any off smells or colors before consuming.

4. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.

5. Can I prepare this chicken salad the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to develop even more.

6. Can I use other types of nuts?

Yes, walnuts, almonds, or even cashews would be great alternatives to pecans.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Try adding diced red onion, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots for additional texture and flavor.

8. Can I serve this chicken salad warm?

While this dish is typically served cold, you can enjoy it warm if you prefer.

9. Is this chicken salad gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you serve it on gluten-free bread or crackers.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can make it dairy-free by substituting the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut yogurt or leaving it out altogether.

Conclusion

This chicken salad is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy. With its quick preparation and customizable options, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, with fresh fruit, or just as a light snack, this chicken salad will satisfy your cravings and provide a refreshing option for any meal. The blend of rotisserie chicken, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing makes for a satisfying dish that’s easy to make and delicious every time.