Name: Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded chicken; ½ cup chopped Fuji or Honeycrisp apples; ½ cup red seedless grapes (quartered); ½ cup chopped celery; 2 tablespoons chopped pecans; 1 cup mayonnaise (reduced-fat works too); 1 ½ teaspoons ranch seasoning (powder); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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There’s something special about a recipe that brings both flavor and simplicity to your table, and Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad does just that. This copycat recipe, inspired by Chicken Salad Chick’s popular dish, is bursting with sweet grapes, crunchy apples, hearty pecans, and perfectly seasoned chicken.

Whether it’s a quick lunch or a weekend gathering, this salad is easy to make, refreshingly delicious, and a big hit with everyone, young and old. Get ready to treat yourself to something truly special, right in your own home.

Ingredients

4 cups shredded chicken
½ cup chopped Fuji or Honeycrisp apples
½ cup red seedless grapes, quartered
½ cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
1 cup mayonnaise (reduced-fat works too)
1 ½ teaspoons ranch seasoning (powder)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Medium/large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon

How to Make This Recipe?

Making Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad is as straightforward as it gets. What makes this recipe even more exciting is how quickly it comes together while giving you ample time to customize it to your taste. The steps below will guide you to a delightful bowl of chicken salad.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all the ingredients. You’ll need shredded chicken, which can be made ahead using rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken breasts, or even instant pot shredded chicken. Wash and chop the apples, grapes, and celery into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every bite has the perfect blend of flavors.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

Grab a medium or large mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, apples, grapes, celery, and pecans. Add the mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Using a spoon, gently mix everything until evenly coated. Be mindful to not overmix so the ingredients maintain their texture.

Step 3: Chill the Salad

Once your salad is ready, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

Why I Love Making This Recipe?

I absolutely love making Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad because it reminds me of family picnics and laid-back afternoons. The balance of sweetness, crunch, and creamy texture hits all the right notes for me. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—I can whip it up for a quick lunch or make a larger batch for guests. Every time I prepare this dish, it feels like comfort food with a touch of elegance.

Tips and Variations

Cooking can always be a little more fun and personal with some tweaks. Here are a few tips I’ve learned while making this recipe:

Skip the celery if you’re not a fan; the crunch can also come from extra apples or even carrots.
For a healthier twist, swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt.
If mayo isn’t your go-to, mashed avocado works as an excellent creamy alternative.
For a nut-free version, leave out the pecans and add sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds.
Want a tangier kick? A splash of lemon juice or some dried cranberries pairs wonderfully with the apple and grape sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of options:

Scoop it onto a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing low-carb meal.
Serve it on a flaky croissant with lettuce and tomato for a hearty sandwich.
Fill lettuce leaves with the salad for a quick and healthy wrap.
Spread it on your favorite bread for a classic chicken salad sandwich.
Enjoy it with crackers as a savory snack or light lunch.

Storage and Leftovers

To store your Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours to maintain its quality. I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the texture of the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients can be compromised upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this chicken salad contains approximately:

Calories: 461
Protein: 39g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 31g

These values make it satisfying without being overly indulgent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few points to keep in mind for the best results. Making these mistakes can compromise the flavor and texture of your salad:

Overmixing: Stir the salad just until the ingredients are combined to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
Skipping the chill time: Refrigeration is essential to deepen the flavors, so don’t skip it.
Using bland chicken: Season your chicken well before shredding or use a rotisserie chicken for more taste.
Cutting grapes too small: If grapes are chopped too fine, they’ll lose their juiciness and texture. Halve or quarter them instead.
Overdoing the mayonnaise: Using too much mayo can drown the flavors. Stick to the recommended amount or adjust in small increments.

Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that proves a simple recipe can deliver amazing results. Whether for a picnic, a party, or meal prep, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Try it out, and watch it become a favorite in your home too!

Ash Tyrrell