🥪 Flavorfully Fantastic Chicken Salad Sandwich
📜 Description
This chicken salad sandwich isn’t your average lunchbox classic—it’s upgraded with tangy apples, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy, savory blend that brings everything together. Whether stuffed in a pita or piled high between two slices of seeded multigrain bread, it’s the perfect combination of taste, texture, and nutrition.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 can (10 oz) white meat chicken (drained and flaked)
- 12 pecans (lightly toasted & chopped)
- 1 shallot (finely chopped)
- 1/2 green apple (finely chopped, leave skin on for crunch)
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- 6–12 dried cranberries or dried cherries (chopped)
- 1–1.5 tbsp mayonnaise (use Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small tomato (diced or sliced)
- Romaine or leafy lettuce (optional, for crunch)
- 1–2 whole wheat pitas or 2 slices hearty multigrain bread
👨🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Salad:
In a medium bowl, mix chicken, pecans, shallot, apple, celery, cranberries, and tomato. Add mayonnaise and stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble the Sandwich:
- Option 1: Stuff the mixture into pita halves with a leaf of lettuce.
- Option 2: Load it between two slices of toasted whole-grain or oat-topped bread with lettuce underneath for extra texture.
- Serve:
Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
📝 Notes
- Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor.
- If using fresh cranberries, chop finely and sweeten lightly with honey.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to prevent apples from browning and give a zesty kick.
💡 Tips
- For extra protein, mix in a boiled egg (chopped).
- Try Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.
- Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Meal-prep friendly: Store filling separately and assemble sandwiches fresh.
🍽️ Servings
Yields: 2–3 sandwiches or 4 pita halves
Serving Size: ~1/2 cup chicken salad per sandwich
🔬 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Net Carbs: ~15g
Using Greek yogurt can reduce fat and boost protein.
✅ Health Benefits
- High in Protein: Keeps you full and supports muscle health.
- Good Fats: From pecans and mayo (or yogurt).
- Fiber & Antioxidants: From apples, cranberries, and whole grains.
- Heart-Healthy Ingredients: Celery and leafy greens add crunch and nutrition without calories.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Cooked and shredded rotisserie or poached chicken works perfectly.
Q: Is this keto-friendly?
A: It can be! Just skip the bread and serve in lettuce wraps.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! The chicken salad will keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Assemble sandwiches fresh to avoid sogginess.
Q: Any dairy-free alternative?
A: Use avocado or a dairy-free mayo substitute.
Would you like this in a printable PDF or a visual card-style recipe next?