How to Make Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad Whenever You Want
Copycat Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad
Over the past year, the amount of copycat recipes coming out of my kitchen has skyrocketed. Finding ways to create our restaurant favorites at home has quickly become a passion. (You can find a big list of my latest ones below!) These recipes are so fun to develop and always a huge hit when my family sits down and knows exactly what they are eating, but from my own kitchen.
Today's copycat recipe is one I used to enjoy on my lunch breaks from work many moons ago. A simple chicken salad sandwich I could not get enough of, and was so sad to see leave Arby's menu, and then ecstatic when it returned. But now I can have it any time I get that craving thanks to my Copycat Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad.
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Arby's Chicken Salad Recipe
This Arby's chicken salad is taken to the next level with the flavor and crunch factor of the pecans and apples. It is both savory and sweet because of the addition of grapes. Our favorite way to eat it is on croissants, but it is just as delicious on sandwich bread, in a wrap, or stuffed in a pita. It's simple enough for a packed lunch or light supper, but special enough for bridal and baby showers, brunches or picnics!
Related: 40 Sandwiches For Summer Suppers
Is the Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad Still on the Menu?
It is now a seasonal item that in our area only shows up on the menu during the summer months. No worries though because now thanks to this easy, 20-minute recipe, you can have it any time you want, 365 days a year!
Related: 20 Dishes For The Ultimate Picnic
Is Arby's Chicken Salad Healthy?
With a menu loaded with sandwiches stacked high with meat, some drizzled with liquid cheese, it probably isn't surprising to know the chicken salad sandwich and/or wrap is one of the healthiest things on the menu.
One of the best things about making restaurant recipes at home is the ability to control the ingredients and lighten them up if you want. For example, the mayonnaise in this dressing could be swapped out for salad dressing or Greek yogurt.
Related: 40 Light and Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes
Ingredients Needed:
Canned chicken
Celery
Pecans
Grapes
Apples
Mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Salt
Pepper
Croissants
Krista Marshall
Tools Needed:
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Colander
How To Make Copycat Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
1. In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Krista Marshall
2. In a large bowl combine drained chicken, grapes, celery, apples and pecans. Stir well to incorporate.
Krista Marshall
3. Pour dressing over chicken mixture and stir well to combine. Serve immediately or chill until ready. Serve with croissants, bread, buns, wraps etc.
Krista Marshall
Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad has been the standard I compare all others to for years now. It is my hands-down favorite and I am beyond thrilled to be able to enjoy it any time I want, rather it's on their menu or not!
Best Tips
Keep your canned chicken in the fridge, so your salad will be chilled as soon as it is made.
Drain the chicken well and break up any large pieces.
Mayonnaise works best, but feel free to substitute salad dressing or Greek yogurt.
Don't peel the apples so they maintain their shape in the salad.
This salad is delicious as a sandwich or a wrap.
What To Serve With Copycat Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad
Other Copycat Recipes To Try Next
More Chicken Salad Recipes
Arby's Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients
2 (12.5-oz) cans premium chunk white chicken, chilled and drained
2 gala apples, chopped
1 cup chopped pecans
3 ribs celery, diced
¾ cup mayo
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup grapes, halved
salt and pepper
In a large bowl combine chicken, grapes, celery, pecans and apples.
Stir well.
In a small bowl whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Pour dressing over chicken mixture.
Mix well.
Serve immediately with croissants, buns, bread, etc.
