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Creamy Chicken Salad Croissant Recipe – Easy Lunch with Grapes and Pecans

creamy chicken salad croissant - featured image

Flaky, buttery croissants are filled with a creamy chicken salad featuring sweet grapes, toasted pecans, and a tangy dressing. This easy, crowd-pleasing lunch is perfect for busy weekdays, picnics, or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 large bakery croissants, split in half horizontally
  • Fresh lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine)

Instructions

  1. Dice or shred cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, remove skin and shred meat by hand.
  2. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and chop roughly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, halved grapes, toasted pecans, diced celery, and sliced green onions.
  5. Pour dressing over chicken mixture and gently fold together with a spatula until evenly coated. Avoid mashing the grapes.
  6. Optional: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Slice croissants in half horizontally. Lay a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each croissant, then add about 1/2 cup chicken salad per sandwich.
  8. Top with croissant halves, gently press, and serve immediately. Garnish with extra grapes or pecans if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF croissants or bread. For dairy-free, use all mayo or non-dairy yogurt. Toasting pecans enhances flavor. Layer lettuce to prevent soggy croissants. Adjust dressing to taste and avoid overdressing. Salad can be made ahead and stored up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, croissant sandwich, grapes, pecans, easy lunch, picnic, creamy chicken salad, southern recipe, entertaining, quick lunch