I developed this copycat version of Arby’s chicken salad recipe because I wanted to recreate that classic mix of crunchy, fruity, and savory flavors in my kitchen.

Here’s exactly how I do it, down to timing, nutrition, and tips to make it feel like the original Arby’s Market Fresh Pecan Chicken Salad.

Table of Contents

How To Make Arby’s Chicken Salad Recipe?

Recipe Time & Yield

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour (optional but recommended for best flavor)
Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: about 4 generous servings (makes ~4 cups)

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl or whisk
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Airtight container (for chilling/storage)

Ingredients

2½ cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
¾ cup red grapes, halved
¾ cup chopped red apple (I like Gala), leave the skin on
½ cup finely chopped celery (about 2–3 stalks)
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor, optional)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup plain low‑fat yogurt or Greek yogurt (optional lighten)
1 tbsp lemon juice (helps prevent apple browning and brightens)
Salt and pepper, to taste

I blended mayo and yogurt for creaminess, but pure mayo works too.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prep the Fruit & Nuts

Chop chicken into even bite‑sized pieces. Halve the grapes, chop the apple, and celery uniformly. If you like a deeper flavor, toast pecans at 325 °F for 7–10 minutes, then cool them before chopping.

Step 2 – Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3 – Combine All Ingredients

Place chicken, grapes, apple, celery, and pecans in a large bowl. Pour dressing over top. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly without mashing ingredients.

Step 4 – Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Refrigerate for at least one hour so flavors meld and salad chills. It tastes far better cold; Arby’s style is always cool and crisp.

Step 5 – Serve

Spoon into sandwiches, wraps, over lettuce, or enjoy on its own.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, ~1 cup) of Arby’s Chicken Salad Recipe

My version approximates:

Calories: ~360 kcal
Protein: ~27 g
Fat: ~22 g
Carbohydrates: ~15 g
This aligns well with copycat nutritional estimates (e.g., ~363 kcal, 27 g protein, 22 g fat).

Serving Suggestions for Arby’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Serve this chicken salad:

On thick slices of wheat or multigrain bread with lettuce
Wrapped in a tortilla or pita
Over a bed of crisp greens for a low‑carb meal
With crunchy accompaniments like chips or crackers
I especially love it in sandwiches for lunch, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Tips & Variations Of Arby’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Toast the pecans to enhance their flavor—this brings a warm crunch to the salad.
Uniform cutting ensures that every bite hits all elements, making it feel gourmet.
Substitutions: Swap walnuts for pecans or use dried cranberries instead of grapes.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of curry powder, cayenne, or dijon for a twist.
Lighten it: Use all low‑fat yogurt instead of mayo; Greek works if you don’t mind a thicker texture.

Health Benefits Of Arby’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Lean protein: Chicken breast provides high‑quality protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.
Fiber & antioxidants: Apples and grapes add natural fiber and vitamins.
Heart‑healthy fats: Pecans deliver monounsaturated fats and minerals.
Moderate fat content: Using low‑fat yogurt helps reduce fat while preserving creaminess.
Controlled sodium: Home‑made allows you to manage salt level, often lower than fast‑food versions.

Conclusion

I love making this Arby s-inspired chicken salad when I crave that sweet, crunchy, creamy bite—but with total control over ingredients and nutrition.

The prep is quick, the bundling of chicken, fruit, nuts, and dressing feels fresh, and chilling it brings everything together beautifully.

It works great in sandwiches, wraps, or simply over greens for a lighter meal. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!

Try it this weekend—prep once, enjoy it all week—and enjoy that perfect blend of flavors I’ve come to love. Thanks for reading this article on Arby’s Chicken Salad Recipe.

Arby’s Chicken Salad Recipe