The Ultimate Rosemary Chicken Salad: A Perfect Blend of Sweet, Savory, and Crunchy with Pecans, Apples, and Dried Cherries
Prepare to discover your new favorite chicken salad recipe! This truly exceptional dish is packed with tender shredded chicken, crisp chopped pecans, juicy diced apples, chewy dried cherries, and a lusciously creamy dressing infused with aromatic rosemary. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
For too long, I’ve kept this incredible chicken salad recipe under wraps, and I truly regret not sharing it sooner, because it is, without a doubt, the BEST chicken salad I have ever tasted! My journey with this recipe began seven years ago when I first prepared it for our coed baby shower, anticipating the arrival of our oldest child. From that moment on, it instantly became a beloved favorite among family and friends. The recipe is a delightful adaptation inspired by this fantastic creation, which I originally discovered through my friend Heidi’s wonderful blog, Foodiecrush. Whether I’m hosting guests, packing a delightful picnic for a sunny day in the park, or simply needing to satisfy a deep craving for something truly special, this chicken salad consistently delivers. It hits all the right notes every single time!
What sets this chicken salad recipe apart is its ingenious combination of ingredients: the crunch of pecans, the refreshing tartness of apples, and the sweet burst of dried cherries, all harmonized by a fragrant rosemary-infused dressing. This blend creates a truly unique profile that is both sweet and savory, creamy and delightfully crunchy, offering a depth of flavor you won’t typically find in more traditional chicken salad variations. It’s wonderfully simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick, satisfying lunch any day of the week. Yet, its sophisticated flavors and appealing presentation also make it refined enough to proudly serve at elegant bridal showers, joyous baby showers, festive holiday gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
The Essential Elements for an Unforgettable Chicken Salad Recipe
Crafting the perfect chicken salad is an art, and while my recipe provided below is guaranteed to be a hit (trust me, you’ll adore it!), understanding the fundamental components allows you to create your own bespoke variations. Here’s my simple, foolproof equation for a chicken salad that everyone will love, focusing on balance, texture, and exquisite flavor:
- Premium Shredded Chicken: The foundation of any great chicken salad is, naturally, the chicken. For convenience and to save time, I often opt for store-bought shredded rotisserie chicken from the deli counter at my local grocery store. It’s a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor or tenderness. However, if you prefer a homemade touch, you can easily prepare your own shredded cooked chicken using boiled, baked, or pressure-cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Simply cook until tender, then shred with two forks or a stand mixer for effortless results.
- An Irresistible Crunch Factor: Texture is paramount in chicken salad. This particular recipe benefits from a delightful double dose of crunch. We incorporate crisp, tart apples – varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady are ideal for their sweetness and firmness – and richly flavored chopped pecans. If you’re looking for variations, toasted walnuts, slivered almonds, or even celery can provide a similar satisfying bite. Toasting the pecans briefly enhances their nutty flavor significantly.
- A Touch of Sweetness: The addition of a sweet element perfectly balances the savory notes of the chicken and dressing. Dried cherries are my absolute favorite for this recipe; they are wonderfully plump, sweet, and burst with concentrated fruit flavor. In my opinion, they lend a more sophisticated sweetness than traditional dried cranberries, though cranberries are a perfectly acceptable substitute if that’s what you have on hand. Other options include golden raisins or even finely diced dried apricots.
- Fresh, Vibrant Green Herbs: Fresh herbs are a game-changer, elevating any chicken salad from good to extraordinary. For this recipe, fresh rosemary brings a subtle, earthy, and distinctly savory aroma that beautifully complements the other ingredients. Its piney notes add a layer of complexity that is truly unique. Don’t be shy with it! If rosemary isn’t your preference, fresh dill, parsley, tarragon, or chives can offer different, yet equally delicious, aromatic dimensions.
- The Perfect Creamy Dressing: The dressing is what binds all these wonderful ingredients together. Our creamy concoction is made with either high-quality mayonnaise, tangy plain Greek yogurt, or a delightful combination of both – the choice is yours, depending on your desired richness and tang. To this, we add finely minced shallots for a delicate oniony flavor, a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness, and, of course, a good measure of salt and freshly ground black pepper to season everything to perfection. Some might also like a hint of Dijon mustard for an extra kick or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Creative Ways to Savor This Delicious Rosemary Chicken Salad
The versatility of this chicken salad is one of its many charms. While it’s utterly delicious straight from the bowl, there are countless ways to enjoy its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures:
- Classic Sandwiches: Serve it piled high on your favorite bread – think fluffy brioche, hearty whole wheat, or a crusty baguette – for a quintessential chicken salad sandwich experience. Add a fresh lettuce leaf or a slice of tomato for extra freshness.
- Light and Easy Wraps: For a lighter meal, spoon it into soft tortillas, pita bread, or large lettuce cups to create a refreshing and portable wrap. These are perfect for lunchboxes or a quick on-the-go snack.
- Elegant Lettuce Cups or Salad Beds: For a low-carb option, serve generous scoops on a bed of crisp greens like butter lettuce, romaine, or mixed spring greens, perhaps with a light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This presentation is also beautiful for entertaining.
- With Crackers or Crostini: It makes an excellent appetizer or snack when served alongside a variety of crackers, toasted crostini, or even sliced cucumber rounds.
- Stuffed Avocados or Tomatoes: For a healthy and filling meal, halve and pit an avocado or hollow out a ripe tomato and fill it with this delicious chicken salad.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, each option promises a delicious and satisfying experience!
Tips for Storing and Maximizing the Freshness of Your Chicken Salad
Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade chicken salad for as long as possible while maintaining its peak flavor and texture. Any prepared chicken salad should be transferred to an airtight container and promptly stored in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, it will typically last for 3-5 days, provided that the cooked chicken used was fresh to begin with.
It’s worth noting that over time, the ingredients, particularly the apples and pecans, will gradually lose some of their initial crunchiness as they absorb moisture from the dressing. To enjoy the salad at its very best, with optimal texture and vibrant flavor, I generally recommend consuming it within 2-3 days of preparation. However, to be completely honest, this chicken salad is so incredibly delicious and popular in my household that we very rarely, if ever, have any leftovers to worry about storing for an extended period!
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Chicken Salad with Pecans, Apples, and Dried Cherries
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Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 lb) shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tart apple , I liked to use honeycrisp, gala or pink lady, diced
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup dried cherries
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt , or a combination of the two
- 1 small shallot , minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt , or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
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In a large bowl combine the chicken, diced apples, pecans, and cherries.
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In a separate bowl combine the mayonnaise/greek yogurt, shallot, vinegar, rosemary and salt and pepper.
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Add to the chicken mixture and mix until combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve with bread, wrap, or lettuce.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days.
This rosemary chicken salad is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The thoughtful combination of textures and flavors makes it stand out from any other chicken salad you’ve tried. From its humble beginnings at a baby shower to becoming a cherished staple, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, its simplicity and sensational taste will win you over. Give it a try, and let this delightful medley of chicken, pecans, apples, and dried cherries, all brought together by a herbaceous rosemary dressing, become your new go-to for light lunches, elegant entertaining, and satisfying cravings. Enjoy every bite!