This Chicken Salad with Cherries is a refreshing twist on the classic. It’s sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy all at once, thanks to the combination of dried cherries, yogurt-Dijon dressing, crisp apples, celery, and toasted pecans.

Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week, hosting a brunch, or just looking for a new way to use rotisserie chicken, this recipe comes together fast and delivers on flavor and texture. It’s great on its own, in a sandwich, or served over greens.

Be sure to also try my Cranberry Chicken Salad and Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad. Both are great for warmer weather and meal prepping. 

Why We Love Healthy Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is more than just tasty. It’s packed with lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.

• Rotisserie chicken is a convenient source of lean protein to keep you full. 
• Dried cherries provide antioxidants and natural sweetness. 
• Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative to mayo and adds protein and probiotics. 
• Celery and apples add fiber, crunch, and hydration. 

Ingredients Needed: 

• Unsweetened dried cherries – Naturally sweet and chewy with antioxidants. 
• Orange or clementine – Adds citrus brightness and moisture to the cherry mix. 
• Honey – Enhances the sweetness and helps the cherry mixture blend. 
• Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing. 
• Plain nonfat Greek yogurt – Creamy, tangy, and packed with protein. 
• Dijon mustard – Adds tang and a little kick to balance the sweetness. 
• Salt and ground black pepper – Enhances and brings out all the flavors. 
• Rotisserie chicken– Tender, flavorful, and easy to use. Great option to use leftover chicken. You could also cook chicken breast ahead of time if you didn’t want to use rotisserie chicken.  
• Celery– Crisp and fresh with a classic crunch. 
• Granny Smith apple – Tart and crisp for balance and texture. 
• Toasted pecans– Adds crunch, nuttiness, and healthy fats. 
• Parsley – Brightens up the dish with fresh, herbal flavor. 

How to Make Chicken Salad with Cherries

1. Make the cherry mixture. In a food processor, combine the dried cherries, orange segments, honey, and olive oil. Pulse until chunky and blended, but not smooth. 
2. Create the dressing. In a large bowl, mix the cherry mixture with Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. 
3. Add the salad ingredients. Fold in the chopped chicken, celery, apple, pecans, and parsley. Mix until evenly coated. 
4. Chill and serve. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Enjoy on its own, in lettuce cups, or as a sandwich filling. 

Helpful Tips

• Use unsweetened dried cherries to avoid making the salad overly sweet. 
• Toast the pecans for a richer, nuttier flavor and extra crunch. 
• Make ahead of time. This salad holds up well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day. 
• Serve it cold for the best flavor and texture. 

Substitutions and Variations

• Cherries – Use dried cranberries, golden raisins, or chopped dates. 
• Yogurt – Swap for mayo or half mayo/half yogurt for a creamier texture. 
• Pecans – Substitute walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. 
• Chicken – Use leftover grilled chicken or even turkey breast. 
• Apple – Try pears or red apples for a sweeter variation.
  

Common FAQs

Can I use sweetened dried cherries?

You can, but the salad may be a bit sweeter. Adjust the honey if needed.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, though the texture may be softer. Drain well and flake with a fork before mixing in.

What can I serve this with?

Serve with crackers, in a sandwich or wrap, over salad greens, or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

More Salad Recipes You Have To Try: 

• Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
• Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
• Tortellini Caprese Salad
• Chicken and Halloumi Salad

Chicken Salad with Cherries

This Chicken Salad with Cherries is a refreshing twist on the classic. It’s sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy all at once, thanks to the combination of dried cherries, yogurt-Dijon dressing, crisp apples, celery, and toasted pecans.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened dried cherries
• 1/2 orange or 1 clementine peeled and quartered
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3-4 cups meat from a rotisserie chicken skin removed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 3 celery diced small
• 1 granny smith apple diced
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans toasted
• 1/3 cup parsley chopped

Instructions

• In a food processor, add cherries, orange, honey, and oil. Pulse till combined but still chunky.
• In a large bowl, add cherry mixture, yogurt, Dijon, salt, and pepper and mix well.
• Add chicken, celery, apple, pecans, and parsley and mix together.

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