Our Rosemary Chicken Salad combines the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans with a bright, rosemary-infused dressing, for a fun update on a classic.

This Chicken Salad Recipe is one of the most made meals at our home, so of course we’ve made plenty of variations over the years. Try our Chicken Salad with ApplesCurry Chicken Salad, or Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad next!

Scrumptious Rosemary Chicken Salad sandwich, halved to reveal its generous, flavorful filling.

Rosemary Chicken Salad

While visiting California, I tried a rosemary-flavored chicken salad sandwich from a cafe that was so incredible delicious!

Inspired, I used rosemary from our herb garden to make a similar version. This Rosemary Chicken Salad is perfect for fall and winter, offering a seasonal twist on a classic dish. It’s a must-try for rosemary lovers!

Ingredients for Rosemary chicken Salad featuring cranberries, celery, pecans, chicken, and additional items.

Rosemary Chicken Salad Ingredients

  • Rotisserie chicken: If you can find it, a lemon-herb rotisserie chicken offers the perfect complementary flavor to the dressing.
  • Pecans: Toasting them slightly enhances their nutty flavor.
  • Dried cranberries: Tart dried cherries are another great option.
  • Celery: Finely dice for better integration.
  • Green onions (optional): Include the green and white parts for a mild bite. If you aren’t a fan of onion, leave it out!

Dressing ingredients being mixed together before being combined with the meat and additional salad components.

Dressing Ingredients

  • Mayonnaise (Full-fat): For creaminess; Hellman’s/Best Foods® recommended.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess.
  • Honey: Adjust to your sweetness preference.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Complements rosemary.
  • Dijon Mustard: Grey Poupon® is our fave here!
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness; include zest for extra flavor.
  • Rosemary: Finely minced for the most flavor.

Creamy dressing being stirred in, thoroughly coating the components of the salad.

How To Make Rosemary Chicken Salad

  1. Quality chicken: Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but feel free to use leftover grilled or baked chicken
  2. Fresh herbs: Better flavor with fresh rosemary!
  3. Marinating: Chill the salad for 1-2 hours before serving to blend flavors.
  4. Nuts: Use toasted nuts for enhanced flavor. Walnuts and almonds are great here too!

Storage

Storing Rosemary Chicken Salad

  • Refrigerate: Pop it in an airtight container, and it’ll be good for 3-5 days.
  • Freeze: Better not; the mayo does weird things texture-wise when you thaw it out.
  • Leftovers: They’re best cold, so give them a good stir before serving if they’ve been chilling in the fridge. 

Finished Rosemary Chicken Salad recipe, rich with textures and flavors, beckoning to be savored.

How To Serve Rosemary Chicken Salad

  • Sandwiches/Wraps: Serve in whole grain bread or a tortilla with lettuce.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Use romaine or butter lettuce for a low-carb option.
  • Salad: Top mixed greens for an instant salad.
  • Stuffed Avocados: Fill avocado halves with the salad.
  • Crackers/Crostini: Enjoy as a spread with crackers, pita chips, or cucumber slices.

More Delicious Sandwiches:

5 from 2 votes

Rosemary Chicken Salad

Our Rosemary Chicken Salad combines the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans with a bright, rosemary-infused dressing, for a refreshing update on a classic favorite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients  

Salad

  • 2 packed cups rotisserie chicken, finely diced
  • ยฝ cup pecans, finely diced (Note 1)
  • โ…“ cup dried cranberries
  • ยฝ cup thinly sliced celery
  • Optional: โ…“ cup green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing

  • โ…“ cup full fat mayonnaise (we love Best Foods)
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1ยฝ tablespoons each: honey and apple cider vinegar
  • 1ยฝ teaspoons each: Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice
  • 1ยฝ teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely minced
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • For serving: bread, lettuce, avocado, crackers -- whatever you like!

Instructions 

  • OPTIONAL: TOAST PECANS: See Note 1.
  • DRESSING: Whisk dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Season to taste (I add ยผt sp salt and โ…› tsp pepper).
    Dressing ingredients being mixed together before being combined with the meat and additional salad components.
  • SALAD: Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Scrape every bit of dressing on top and toss well. Taste and adjust to personal preference.
    Creamy dressing being stirred in, thoroughly coating the components of the salad.
  • SERVE: Enjoy! Serve as sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, with crackers, etc.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Pecans: Buy toasted pecans or toast your own:
  1. Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat.
  2. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until they're fragrant. Watch carefully to keep from burning.
  3. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool. Cool completely before dicing and adding to the salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 499kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 563mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 134IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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

Meet Chelsea


Hi there! Iโ€™m Chelseaโ€“the recipe developer, photographer, writer, and taste tester behind Chelseaโ€™s Messy Apron (although my little ones help me out quite a bit with the taste testing part!). I LOVE getting creative in the kitchen and then posting my creations here for you to enjoy.

Thanks again for stopping by!

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5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. Judith Nero says:

    5 stars
    I loved this recipe! I think the rosemary is the perfect touch. The dressing was delicious and brought everything together very well. This will be my go to chicken salad recipe!

    1. Chelsea says:

      So thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Judith! ๐Ÿ™‚