If you’re looking for a chicken salad that’s creamy, slightly sweet, and full of texture, this blueberry pecan chicken salad is about to become a staple. It takes everything we love about a classic chicken salad and upgrades it with juicy blueberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and a bright lemony dressing.
Perfect for lunch, meal prep, picnics, or casual entertaining, this easy homemade chicken salad comes together fast with simple ingredients—no fancy tools, no complicated steps. Serve it on croissants, in lettuce cups, or straight from the bowl and you’ll see why chicken salad never goes out of style.
Table of Contents
Why This Blueberry Pecan Chicken Salad Works
This recipe stands out because it balances flavor and texture perfectly:
- Creamy from a simple mayo-based dressing
- Sweet from blueberries (fresh or dried)
- Crunchy from celery and toasted pecans
- Savory from well-seasoned, juicy chicken
It feels elevated yet approachable—one of those good chicken salad recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Chicken Salad Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (breast or thigh)
- ½ cup blueberries (fresh or dried)
- ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely minced
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- (Optional) pinch of onion powder
👉 Pantry-friendly and easy to find—this is best homemade chicken salad energy.
How to Make Blueberry Pecan Chicken Salad
This easy homemade chicken salad comes together in under 15 minutes:
- Mix the base
In a large bowl, combine chicken, blueberries, pecans, celery, and red onion. - Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. - Combine & taste
Fold the dressing into the chicken mixture until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
That’s it—no cooking required.
Blueberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded (breast or thigh)
- 1/2 cup blueberries fresh or dried
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans roughly chopped
- 2 stalks celery finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise regular or light
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- onion powder optional pinch
Method
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, blueberries, pecans, celery, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder (if using).
- Fold the dressing into the chicken mixture until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use. Best served chilled.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Is Chicken Salad Healthy?
Chicken salad can absolutely fit into a balanced lifestyle when made with simple ingredients.
Protein & Nutrition
- Chicken provides high-quality protein
- Keeps you full and satisfied at lunch
Is Chicken Salad Good for Weight Loss?
Yes, with smart portions:
- Serve in lettuce cups or on whole-grain bread
- Add extra veggies for volume
- Use light mayo or half mayo / half Greek yogurt
This blueberry pecan version adds natural sweetness without added sugar.
Best Homemade Chicken Salad for Lunch
This recipe is ideal for chicken salads for lunch because it:
- Holds its texture well
- Tastes even better after chilling
- Is filling without being heavy
Perfect for work lunches or grab-and-go meals.
What to Eat With Chicken Salad
Wondering what to eat with chicken salad? Try:
- Croissants or brioche rolls
- Whole wheat or sourdough bread
- Wraps or tortillas
- Bibb lettuce or endive cups
- Crackers or cucumber slices
This salad adapts to whatever you’re serving.
Chicken Salad Ideas for Party & Gatherings
Hosting? This recipe shines because it:
- Looks elegant
- Appeals to sweet-and-savory lovers
- Works for buffets and potlucks
Serve in mini croissants, slider buns, or lettuce cups for a clean, crowd-friendly presentation.
Variations & Substitutions
Make it your own:
- No mayo: Use Greek yogurt or half yogurt / half mayo
- Nut-free: Skip pecans or swap sunflower seeds
- Extra sweet: Add halved grapes along with blueberries
- Savory twist: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley
- No onion: Simply omit the red onion
This flexibility makes it one of the good chicken salad recipes to keep forever.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Store in an airtight container
- Keeps well in the fridge 3–4 days
- Flavor improves after resting
- Do not leave out longer than 2 hours
Meal-prep friendly and picnic-safe when chilled.
FAQ – Chicken Salad
Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes—chicken salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.
What kind of chicken is best for chicken salad?
Chicken breast is classic, but thighs or rotisserie chicken add extra moisture.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Not recommended—mayo-based salads don’t thaw well.
How do I keep chicken salad from drying out?
Use enough dressing and store it tightly sealed.
Is chicken salad good for lunch?
Absolutely—it’s filling, portable, and easy to prep ahead.
Conclusion
This blueberry pecan chicken salad is everything a great chicken salad should be: easy, creamy, fresh, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting friends, or just need a reliable lunch idea, this recipe delivers every time.
⭐ Final tip: This recipe performs exceptionally well on Pinterest thanks to its clean ingredients, visual contrast (blueberries + pecans), and high save potential.
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