Elevate your lunch or dinner with our exquisite Rosemary Chicken Salad. This recipe masterfully marries the inherent sweetness of dried cranberries with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, all brought together by a bright, aromatic rosemary-infused dressing. It’s a delightful, gourmet update on a beloved classic that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Few dishes offer the comfort and versatility of a well-made chicken salad. It’s a staple in countless homes for its simplicity and adaptability, and here at our kitchen, it’s certainly one of the most frequently prepared meals. Over the years, we’ve explored numerous flavor combinations, always seeking to innovate on the classic. For those who adore creative twists, we highly recommend exploring our other popular variations, such as the crisp and refreshing Chicken Salad with Apples, the exotically spiced Curry Chicken Salad, or the zesty and vibrant Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad. Each offers a unique journey for your palate, but none quite capture the seasonal charm and herbaceous elegance of our Rosemary Chicken Salad.

Contents

The Irresistible Allure of Rosemary Chicken Salad

The inspiration for this particular chicken salad masterpiece struck during a memorable trip to California. I stumbled upon a charming cafe serving a rosemary-infused chicken salad sandwich, and the experience was nothing short of culinary revelation. The delicate yet assertive aroma of fresh rosemary perfectly complemented the savory chicken, creating an unforgettable flavor profile that I instantly knew I had to recreate.

Returning home, I eagerly harvested fresh rosemary from our thriving herb garden, determined to capture that exquisite taste. The result is this Rosemary Chicken Salad, a recipe that has since become a cherished favorite. While it evokes images of cozy fall gatherings and comforting winter meals, its bright and fresh flavors make it a fantastic choice year-round. It’s a sophisticated twist on a humble dish, transforming ordinary chicken salad into something truly special. For anyone who appreciates the distinctive, earthy fragrance of rosemary, this recipe is an absolute must-try.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Uniquely Flavorful: Fresh rosemary elevates this chicken salad beyond the ordinary, offering an aromatic, herbaceous depth that’s both comforting and invigorating.
Perfectly Balanced Textures: Enjoy the tender bite of chicken, the juicy burst of cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans in every mouthful.
Incredibly Versatile: Ideal for quick lunches, elegant brunches, light dinners, or impressive party appetizers. It adapts beautifully to various serving styles.
Easy to Prepare: Utilizing pre-cooked rotisserie chicken streamlines the preparation process, making this gourmet-tasting salad surprisingly simple to whip up.
Seasonal Charm: While delicious any time, the warm, earthy notes of rosemary and the tart cranberries make it especially fitting for autumn and winter menus.

Key Ingredients for Your Rosemary Chicken Salad

Crafting the perfect Rosemary Chicken Salad begins with selecting quality ingredients that contribute to its distinctive taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that harmonious balance we seek.

Rotisserie Chicken (or Cooked Chicken Breast): The foundation of our salad! Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, delivering moist, flavorful meat without extra effort. For an even deeper complementary flavor, seek out a lemon-herb rotisserie chicken. Alternatively, you can easily use leftover grilled chicken or freshly baked chicken breasts, ensuring they are finely diced or shredded for optimal integration into the salad. Aim for about 2 packed cups of finely diced chicken.
Pecans: These provide a wonderful crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. For the best possible taste and aroma, we highly recommend toasting your pecans lightly before dicing them. This simple step truly awakens their nutty essence, adding another layer of complexity to the salad. Walnuts or almonds can also be used as alternatives if preferred. You’ll need about 1/2 cup, finely diced.
Dried Cranberries: Offering a burst of tart sweetness, dried cranberries are essential for balancing the savory notes of the chicken and the richness of the dressing. Their chewy texture also adds an enjoyable contrast. If you’re looking for a slightly different tart fruit, dried cherries make an excellent substitute. Measure out 1/3 cup for a delightful sweet-tart component.
Celery: For that classic chicken salad crispness and a refreshing counterpoint, finely diced celery is a must. Its subtle peppery notes and hydrating crunch prevent the salad from feeling heavy, ensuring a delightful bite every time. Aim for 1/2 cup of thinly sliced celery.
Green Onions (Optional): For those who appreciate a mild, fresh onion flavor without overpowering the delicate herbs, green onions are a perfect addition. Include both the green and white parts, thinly sliced, for a gentle bite and a hint of allium. If you’re not a fan of onions, feel free to omit them without compromising the overall deliciousness of the salad. About 1/3 cup, thinly sliced, should suffice if using.

Crafting the Perfect Rosemary Dressing

The dressing is truly the heart of this Rosemary Chicken Salad, infusing it with its signature flavor and creamy texture. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to a balanced and vibrant profile.

Full-Fat Mayonnaise: This is the foundation of our creamy dressing, providing richness and binding all the ingredients together. We highly recommend using a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise like Hellman’s or Best Foods® for the best flavor and luscious texture. A healthier alternative could be a high-quality avocado oil mayonnaise. (1/3 cup)
Sour Cream: To add a delightful tang and a slight lightness to the dressing, sour cream is incorporated. It cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise beautifully, creating a more complex flavor profile. Full-fat Greek yogurt can be a fantastic, healthier substitute, adding a similar tang and creaminess. (3 tablespoons)
Honey: A touch of honey introduces a natural sweetness that complements the tart cranberries and balances the savory components. You can adjust the amount to suit your personal sweetness preference. Maple syrup is a viable alternative if you prefer. (1 1/2 tablespoons)
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient is key for adding a bright, acidic counterpoint that really makes the rosemary flavor pop. Its subtle fruity notes are an excellent match for the herbaceousness of the dressing. (1 1/2 tablespoons)
Dijon Mustard: Just a small amount of Dijon mustard adds a sophisticated, sharp, and slightly spicy kick that deepens the overall flavor of the dressing. Grey Poupon® is a personal favorite for its consistent quality and balanced flavor. (1 1/2 teaspoons)
Fresh Lemon Juice (and zest!): Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for adding a burst of brightness and acidity. For an extra layer of fragrant citrus, don’t forget to include a pinch of lemon zest – the oils in the zest carry a significant amount of flavor. You’ll need the juice of about one medium lemon to yield 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Fresh Rosemary: The star of the show! Finely minced fresh rosemary is absolutely essential for achieving the distinct aromatic flavor of this salad. While dried rosemary can be used in a pinch, fresh herbs offer an unparalleled depth and vibrancy. Make sure it’s very finely minced to ensure even distribution and avoid large, woody pieces. (1 1/2 teaspoons)
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony. Use good quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best results.

Tips for the Perfect Rosemary Chicken Salad

Achieving a truly outstanding Rosemary Chicken Salad is simple when you follow a few key tips. These pointers will help you maximize flavor and texture, ensuring your salad is always a hit:

Choose Your Chicken Wisely: While rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful choice due to its inherent seasonings and moist texture, don’t hesitate to use other cooked chicken. Leftover grilled or baked chicken breasts work wonderfully. For optimal texture in the salad, ensure your chicken is finely diced or shredded uniformly. This allows it to blend seamlessly with the dressing and other ingredients, preventing any large, unwieldy pieces.
Embrace Fresh Herbs: The difference between fresh and dried rosemary in this recipe is profound. Fresh rosemary provides a vibrant, potent, and beautifully aromatic flavor that dried simply cannot replicate. Finely mincing the fresh rosemary is crucial; it releases its essential oils and ensures that its flavor is evenly distributed without being overwhelming or creating an unpleasant texture.
Don’t Skip the Marinating (Chilling) Time: While tempting to dive in immediately, chilling the chicken salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving is a game-changer. This “marinating” period allows all the flavors from the dressing to meld and deepen with the chicken, cranberries, and pecans. The salad will taste significantly more cohesive and delicious after this brief rest.
Toast Your Nuts: This is a small step with a huge payoff. Toasting pecans (or any nuts you choose, like walnuts or almonds) brings out their natural oils, intensifying their nutty flavor and adding a lovely warmth. The extra crunch also contributes to the salad’s overall appealing texture. Toast them gently in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then let them cool completely before chopping and adding to the salad. This prevents them from becoming soft or mushy.
Adjust Sweetness and Seasoning: Everyone’s palate is different! Don’t be afraid to taste the dressing before combining it with the chicken, and again after the salad is mixed. Add a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter profile, or extra salt and pepper to truly make the flavors sing. A squeeze more lemon juice can brighten it up if needed.

Storage Solutions for Your Rosemary Chicken Salad

Proper storage is key to enjoying your Rosemary Chicken Salad for days to come.

Refrigerate: Your freshly made chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Ensure it’s kept cold to maintain freshness and safety. Give it a good stir before serving, especially if it’s been chilling for a while, as the dressing can sometimes settle.
Freezing is Not Recommended: We strongly advise against freezing this chicken salad. Mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and become watery or oily when thawed, significantly altering the texture and appeal of the salad. The crispness of the celery and pecans can also be compromised, resulting in a less enjoyable experience.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Rosemary Chicken Salad

The versatility of Rosemary Chicken Salad is one of its greatest attributes. It can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways, making it perfect for any meal or occasion. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:

Classic Sandwiches or Wraps: The most popular way to enjoy chicken salad! Pile a generous scoop into your favorite whole-grain bread, a soft croissant, or a flour tortilla with crisp lettuce leaves for a satisfying and hearty meal. It’s ideal for packed lunches or a casual dinner.
Light and Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, carb-conscious option, spoon the chicken salad into large, crisp lettuce cups. Romaine, butter lettuce, or even endive spears work beautifully, offering a refreshing crunch and a perfect vessel for the flavorful filling.
Elegant Salad Topper: Transform a simple bed of mixed greens into an instant gourmet salad. Just add a scoop of Rosemary Chicken Salad on top of fresh spinach, arugula, or a spring mix for a complete and balanced meal. A light vinaigrette on the greens can complement the flavors beautifully.
Wholesome Stuffed Avocados: For a nutrient-dense and visually appealing presentation, halve a ripe avocado, remove the pit, and fill the hollow with a generous portion of the chicken salad. The creamy avocado provides a wonderful counterpoint to the salad’s flavors and textures.
Party-Ready Crackers or Crostini: Serve this chicken salad as an appetizer or a delightful spread. It pairs wonderfully with sturdy crackers, crispy pita chips, or toasted crostini for a quick and easy snack or party food. For a refreshing twist, serve it on crisp cucumber slices or bell pepper wedges.
On a Bed of Grains: For a more substantial meal, serve a scoop over a bed of quinoa, couscous, or rice. This creates a balanced bowl that’s both filling and flavorful.

More Delicious Sandwiches to Explore:

If you love the versatility and comfort of a good sandwich or wrap, you might enjoy these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ultimate Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Classic French Dip Sandwich
Refreshing Cucumber Sandwich
Sweet Honey and Banana Sandwich

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Rosemary Chicken Salad

By Chelsea Lords

This Rosemary Chicken Salad is a fresh twist on the classic, with sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a rosemary-infused dressing that ties it all together.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients

Salad

2 packed cups rotisserie chicken, finely diced
1/2 cup pecans, finely diced (see note 1)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Dressing

1 lemon (for juice)
1/3 cup mayo (Best Foods recommended)
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Serving suggestions (see note 2)

Instructions

Optional: Toast pecans as described in note 1. This enhances their flavor and crunch.
Juice the lemon to obtain 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice with all the remaining dressing ingredients (mayo, sour cream, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh rosemary) until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper (we recommend starting with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and adjusting as needed).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely diced rotisserie chicken, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, thinly sliced celery, and green onions (if using). Pour all of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until every component is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, honey, or lemon juice) to your personal preference.
For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy this delightful salad served as sandwiches, in crisp lettuce wraps, with crackers, or any other way you prefer!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: How to Toast Pecans

Place your pecans in a dry, ungreased skillet over medium heat on the stovetop.
Stir the pecans frequently for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Be vigilant, as nuts can burn quickly!
Immediately remove the toasted pecans from the skillet and transfer them to a plate to cool completely. Once cooled, dice them finely before adding them to your chicken salad for enhanced flavor and texture.

Note 2: Serving Suggestions

For versatile serving, consider using various vehicles: crusty bread for classic sandwiches, crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option, creamy avocado halves for a rich and healthy presentation, or your favorite crackers for a delightful appetizer. The possibilities are endless!

Storage: Keep this delicious chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days. We do not recommend freezing, as mayonnaise-based salads tend to separate upon thawing.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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