Looking for a refreshing and simple lunch idea? This homemade version of Arby’s beloved Chicken Salad is exactly what you need. This delightful recipe is bursting with a mix of savory and sweet flavors, combining tender chicken, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and juicy grapes.

For a similar twist, you can also enjoy this chicken salad recipe with grapes that brings a delightful fruity balance to your dishes. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes, easy to whip up, and versatile enough to enjoy as a sandwich, wrap, or salad.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, hosting a brunch, or just craving something light and satisfying, you’ll love how this recipe brings a touch of Arby’s to your dining table.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to recreate this delicious chicken salad at home:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1 cup red grapes, halved
1 cup red apple, chopped
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup celery, finely diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Time

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make This Recipe?

Making this Arby’s-inspired chicken salad is quick and straightforward. It’s all about assembling fresh, wholesome ingredients and letting the flavors shine.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start with cooked chicken breast. You can use grilled, baked, or even rotisserie chicken for this. Dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and serving. If using leftover chicken, ensure it’s chilled for best results.

Step 2: Chop the Fruits and Vegetables

Rinse the red grapes thoroughly and slice them in half. Chop the red apple into small chunks, leaving the skin on for added texture and color. Finely dice the celery to ensure a nice crunch in every bite. If your pecans are large, give them a quick chop as well.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; the dressing should be creamy and lightly tangy to balance the sweetness of the fruit.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the chicken, grapes, apple, celery, and pecans to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the chicken salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve on thick slices of honey wheat bread, in a wrap, or on a bed of fresh greens.

Why I Love Making This Recipe?

I absolutely adore making this chicken salad because it’s a taste of nostalgia right in my kitchen. Every bite reminds me of summer afternoons enjoying Arby’s seasonal sandwich. It’s not only easy to prepare but also so customizable, which means I can tweak the flavors each time I make it.

I love adding a dash of creativity, like toasting the pecans for extra nuttiness or experimenting with different fruits. There’s something so satisfying about making something at home that’s as good (or better!) than the restaurant version.

Tips and Variations

This recipe is flexible and forgiving, so you can adapt it to suit your preferences. Here’s how:

Toss the pecans in a skillet and toast them lightly for an extra layer of flavor.
Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise to lighten up the dressing.
Add dried cranberries or chopped pineapple for a fun twist.
Use romaine or butter lettuce to create lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
If you love some zest, sprinkle in a pinch of onion or garlic powder into the dressing.

Whenever I make this, I try to keep the grapes dry to prevent the salad from getting watery. It also helps to chill it a little longer for the flavors to really pop.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with sides like kettle chips or a simple green salad. You can serve it:

On croissants, honey wheat bread, or sourdough for a hearty sandwich.
Wrapped in a tortilla for a portable lunch option.
On a fresh salad bed with some balsamic glaze drizzle.
Alongside crackers, as a dip or party appetizer.

For more refreshing meal ideas, you can even try a chicken Caesar salad recipe, which offers a completely different but equally satisfying flavor profile.

Storage and Leftovers

You can store this chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Avoid freezing, as the mayonnaise and fresh fruit don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a light stir to combine any dressing that may have settled.

If you’re in search of another delightful variation, consider a curry chicken salad recipe for a warm and spiced twist.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories: 280
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 16g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make this recipe foolproof! Avoid these common pitfalls for the best results:

Over-mixing can break down the fruits and make the salad mushy. Mix gently to keep everything intact.
Using wet grapes or apples can result in excess liquid in the salad. Make sure fruits are dry before adding them.
Not chilling before serving will prevent the flavors from melding together. Give it some time in the fridge.
Overdressing can mask the natural flavors of the ingredients. Start with less dressing and add more as needed.

This recipe is a great reminder of how simple, good food can bring people together. Whether you’re preparing it for a gathering or just a weekday lunch, you’ll find it hits the spot every time. Enjoy!