This creamy crunchy Trader Joes Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe is made with diced chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, ready in just 15 minutes. The real magic happens when you fold those sweet and crunchy bits into the rich mayonnaise dressing. I always keep a batch in the fridge for quick weekday lunches.
Why This Classic Works
I used to buy tubs of this salad every week until I realized how simple it was to recreate. The balance of savory chicken with tart cranberries and nutty pecans is what makes the original so good.
My biggest mistake early on was shredding the chicken instead of dicing it. Keeping the meat in distinct cubes gives it that authentic deli counter texture.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joes Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How To Make Trader Joes Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe
- Prep the chicken: Dice the cooked, cooled chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Chop the mix-ins: Add the finely diced celery, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the chicken.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine and chill: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold gently to coat. Let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Use cold chicken: Warm chicken will cause the mayonnaise to separate and turn greasy.
- Toast the nuts: Briefly toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and adds better crunch.
- Dice evenly: Chop the chicken and celery into uniform pieces so every bite has a mix of textures.
What To Serve With Chicken Salad
Scoop this creamy mix onto buttery croissants or thick slices of sourdough bread. If you want a lighter option, serve it over a bed of crisp butter lettuce or scoop it with sturdy crackers.
How To Store
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Do not freeze this recipe, as the mayonnaise will split and the celery will become mushy upon thawing.
FAQs
- Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves a lot of prep time. Just remove the skin and bones before dicing.
- Can I substitute the mayonnaise? You can swap half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing with a slight tang.
- What if I don’t have pecans? Chopped walnuts or sliced almonds are great substitutes that provide a similar crunch.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 14g
- Protein: 18g
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Chicken Salad Recipe
- Trader Joes Shrimp Taco Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Salmon Bowl Recipe
Trader Joes Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe
4
servings15
minutes15
minutesTrader Joes Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe combines creamy dressing, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and diced chicken in just 15 minutes for a quick lunch. The perfect balance of sweet and savory makes this easy prep ideal for busy weekdays.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- 1. Prep the chicken: Dice the cooked, cooled chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
- 2. Chop the mix-ins: Add the finely diced celery, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the chicken.
- 3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- 4. Combine and chill: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold gently to coat. Let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
