This healthy chicken salad will be the highlight of your next bbq, picnic in spring/summer or just another great lunch option. With several add-ins, this creamy delight is flavorful, healthy and comes together easily.

Chicken salad is one of my favorite types of salads on a spring or summer day. This is also a great dish to bring everyone together. While it’s good year round, I love it during this time of year. It is very simple to make and you can add or subtract any of the add in ingredients. Add-in ingredients would be fruits and nuts. Chicken salad can be dressed up with more ingredients or as simple as just chicken, mayo and celery. This version is made with my homemade mayo, apples, cherries and pecans.

Ingredients for the best healthy chicken salad

Shredded chicken
Celery
Mayo
Apples
Cherries
Pecans
Pepper
Salt

Easiest way to shred chicken

The easiest way to shred chicken is with a hand-held blender. Place pieces of chicken in a bowl and with a hand-held blender, blend until shredded.

How to make

Prep all ingredients. Shred chicken with hand-held blender and cut up fruit and vegetables.

Place all ingredients in large bowl and stir together until combined fully.

Substitutions + Variations

Chicken salad is a wonderful dish to play around with. You can truly customize it to your liking.

Fruits- cherries, apples, grapes, raisins, cranberries
Vegetables- onions, green onions, celery, chives, peppers
Nuts- cashews, peanuts, walnuts, pecans
Protein- hard boiled eggs

Serving Suggestions

Lettuce cups (see below)
Bed of lettuce or spinach
On sandwich bread or croissant
Crackers
Raw Vegetables

Can I store in the refrigerator?

Yes, store in an airtight sealed container for 3-4 days. Be sure to refrigerate leftovers as soon as you are finished to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

I would not recommend freezing anything with mayo. Mayo just doesn’t freeze well even in a dish.

Ingredient Spotlight- Cherries

Cherries hold a lot of health benefits. Here are a few:

Prevents cardiovascular disease- cherries are one of the most heart healthy foods. They contain anthocyanins which are antioxidants that help regulate high blood pressure and combat bad cholesterol levels.
Nutrient dense- cherries are a great source at vitamins B & C along with being rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals.
Body Ph balance- cherries are alkaline so they help balance out the Ph in the body. Many foods we eat are acidic causing indigestion.
Healthy sleep- cherries naturally contain melatonin which is the hormone that regulates sleep. Having trouble falling asleep? Try a few cherries before bed.