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Chicken salad sandwich cut in half on a wooden board with visible crunch ingredients

Chicken Salad Sandwich with Lively Crunch Inside

This chicken salad sandwich recipe delivers a lively crunch in every bite, thanks to crisp celery, toasted nuts, and a touch of apple. It's quick, practical, and perfect for a fresh lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped (from one rotisserie chicken)
  • 1/2 cup diced celery about 2 stalks
  • 1/2 cup diced apple Honeycrisp or Fuji, about 1 small apple
  • 1/3 cup pecan halves toasted and chopped
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or additional mayo
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 slices bread of choice or lettuce wraps

Method
 

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecan halves and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board to cool, then chop roughly.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the celery and apple into small cubes (about 1/4 inch). If not using immediately, toss apple with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Combine: Add the chicken, celery, apple, and chopped pecans to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Taste and adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. For best flavor, let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.
  6. Assemble sandwiches: Toast the bread if desired. Divide the chicken salad evenly among four sandwiches (about 3/4 cup each). Serve immediately.