This chicken salad is filled with grapes, apples, pecans, and shredded chicken! It's identical to the Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad from Chicken Salad Chick!
Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad is one of the most popular chicken salads from the national restaurant chain, Chicken Salad Chick. It is full of red grapes, crisp apples, pecans, and the perfect blend of seasonings! I've been making this copycat recipe for years, and everyone always begs me for the recipe!
It is delicious and so easy to make at home! Serve it with the classic southern dish - Pear Salad or easy Air Fryer Tater Tots!
The Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad is so good that it can be eaten plain, in a salad, in a lettuce wrap, or in a sandwich; the options are endless! I love eating it with a fresh croissant, but when I want to save some carbs and calories, I opt for a lettuce wrap - YUM! The best part is that the chicken salad itself is SUPER easy to make!
How to make Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad:
**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**
- Start by preparing all the ingredients.
- To make shredded chicken, you can follow my directions for making shredded chicken in bulk.
- You can also use a rotisserie chicken and shred that. Want to use turkey in place of chicken, then try this Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
- Prepare the vegetables and fruit by washing and chopping everything.
- Using a medium/large bowl, add the chicken, apples, grapes, celery, pecans, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning, then stir gently to combine everything.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The longer it sits, the tastier it gets!
How to serve Fancy Nancy chicken salad:
- Spoon over a bed of lettuce and enjoy plain.
- Add Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad to a fresh croissant and top with lettuce and tomato!
- Use romaine or bib lettuce and spoon the chicken salad into lettuce wraps for a healthier low carb/low calorie option.
- Using your favorite sandwich bread, make a chicken salad sandwich and top with lettuce and tomato.
- Eat with Ritz crackers!
This chicken salad is a great meal to make for new mom's, to bring to a potluck, or to use for a meal-train. When I bring it to people, I always pack the chicken salad, some croissants, lettuce, and tomato slices. People LOVE it!
This chicken salad will keep in the fridge for a week.
Can you freeze chicken salad?
I don't recommend freezing chicken salad, however you can freeze shredded chicken to have on hand to use in this chicken salad! Having frozen chicken on hand is great because it's versatile and can be used in so many recipes!
Need a side dish to go with this meal? These are great options to serve alongside the chicken salad:
- Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus has only 2 ingredients and takes a fraction of the typical time, this will be your favorite way to cook asparagus from now on!
- Air Fryer Tater Tots are a quick and convenient side to throw into the air fryer! They cook quickly and turn out perfectly crispy every time!
- Creamy BLT Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to bring to any potluck or BBQ. All the classic flavors of a BLT thrown into a delicious pasta salad.
- Creamy Pesto Pasta is full of tomatoes, artichokes, peas, and topped with a creamy pesto sauce! It’s sure to be a BBQ favorite!
- Pear Salad is a classic southern comfort food! These canned pears topped with mayonnaise, cheese, and a cherry will be a hit at the next potluck!
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (homemade) are a nutritious side dish that compliments the chicken salad well!
If you like salads as much as I do, checkout these other delicious options:
- Asian Salad
- Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Big Mac Salad (low carb)
- Crunchy Peanut Chicken Salad
- Asian Salad Dressing
This chicken salad is filled with grapes, apples, pecans, and shredded chicken! It’s identical to the Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad from Chicken Salad Chick!
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- ½ cup chopped fuji or honey crisp apples
- ½ cup red seedless grapes, cut into ¼ths
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 2 TBS chopped pecans
- 1 cup mayonnaise (reduced fat is fine)
- 1 ½ teaspoon ranch season (hidden valley powder)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
Using a medium/large bowl, add the chicken, apples, grapes, celery, pecans, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning. Stir gently to combine everything and mix well.
-
Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
-
Serve and refrigerate when not serving. Will keep in fridge for up to 1 week.
Recipe Video
*Nutritional information per serving (4 servings): 462 calories, 12g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 6g sugar, 39g protein
Nutritional information is based off the ingredients I specifically used. Calculate your own nutrition using your specific ingredients and a calculator such as myfitnesspal.
Sandra Alfano says
So happy I found this recipe, it is delicious. I put the chicken salad over some baby spinach it was perfect! Thank you!
Allyson says
That does sound like the perfect combo!
Kim says
I haven't made Chicken Salad in ages! I've never put grapes in mine! Thanks for the inspiration to try something different.
Allyson says
The grapes add such an irreplaceable flavor!
Marimat says
This salad is yummyyyy
Thank you!
Allyson says
So happy you like it!
Carol says
This recipe is really good…yum. I also use the same recipe except I use pineapple chunks instead of apples and no ranch powder. Very good.
Allyson says
Wow I have never heard to use pineapple chunks! I will try that out! Thanks!
Patty says
I like to also add dried cranberries
Debbie K. Cooper says
Carol, if you don't like the Ranch seasoning additives there is a homemade version of it on pinterest that my daughter made up 2 weeks ago and it is delicious! I used it with oil to coat potatoes and roast in the oven. If you are interested I will try and send you the link.
Marianne McEwin says
Debbie, I would like your Ranch Dressing mix recipe please!
Thanks! Marianne
Lisa says
Hey Debbie I would like your ranch dressing recipe please.
Missy says
Could I also get your alternate Ranch? Thank you!
Michele Taylor says
I would also like the Ranch recipe. I am so excited to make Allyson's version of this chicken salad for a baby shower this weekend. It is delicious!!!
Cat says
Penzeys spices also makes AN INCREDIBLE ranch dressing mix
Rachelle says
Could I get that too?
Dorothy Haunhorst says
please send me your daughters ranch seasoning recipe
Thanks Dorothy
Betty says
I just made this for the first time. I used rotisserie chicken so the 1/4 tsp. salt made it too salty to eat. I added lots more apples, nuts, grapes and celery. I hope they will help. Be warned! Don’t add salt before tasting it.
Natalie says
Oh, how I could eat this daily! Never added ranch before, but I am glad I tried..I've been missing out! So tasty & crunchy!
Allyson says
YES! Ranch changes everything!
Lynnette says
Yum! My first time using Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning. Yum! Loved it. So easy and delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Allyson says
Isn't it great! It's subtle but adds a punch!
ANN MARIE RUHLAND says
I put bread and butter pickles in it too! I bought organic Hidden Valley powder in, much better - found it at Sprouts
MaryKay Wood says
Oh my lanta!!! My fav chicken salad of all time!!!
Allyson says
Now you can make it ALL THE TIME at home 😉
Linda Scott says
I LOVE easy!!! Fancy Nancy is easy to prepare AND YUMMY
Alicia says
I absolutely LOOOOVE this chicken salad from chicken salad chick! I cannot believe how spot on this recipe is for the restaurant version! THANK YOU!
Bob says
Totally agree. I stopped at chicken salad chick twice a month as I passed thru Bristol TN for 3 years. This recipe is spot on !!
Thanks for providing it !!! Bob
Allyson says
You are so welcome! Happy to hear you are enjoying it!
Megan Tanju says
Alicia, those were my thoughts as well. I love Fancy Nancy, but the other copycat recipes I’ve tried were not even close with flavor profile or ratio of additives (apples, etc). This one is SOO good, and the bonus is how easy it is. Love! Thanks for making it, Domestic Superhero! 10/10!
Allyson says
Your comment made my day! Thank you for your sweet review!
Vikki says
Super tasty salad! Love it
katerina says
Such a fantastic chicken salad!! I can't wait to try this!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says
I love this chicken salad! Its incredibly delicious!! YUM!
Toni says
Oh wow! This salad is so amazing! Packed full of amazing flavors!
Beth says
Wow! This looks so tasty and so yummy! My hubby and I are going to love this recipe! So excited!
Catalina says
Oh my goodness! Who doesn't love chicken salad?! It's my favorite!
Linda says
I absolutely can't wait to make this delicious copycat chicken salad recipe. I know it's going to be absolute perfection.
If I'm watching my carbs I can just replace the bread with butter lettuce.
My mouth is watering right now and my tummy is growling.😋
Cheyanne Cooley says
I have the actual recipe for fancy Nancy from chicken salad chick if you would like it!
Allyson says
I would love to compare! You can email it to me: Allyson@domesticsuperhero.com - thanks!
Jana Haughey says
Allyson, I'd love the original Chic Salad Fancy Nan Recipe. I know that post had been a while but if you have the time. Thank you, Jana
Nicole Lovett says
Allyson do you mind sending me the original recipe?! I would love to compare the two! Nicolelovett75@gmail.com
Thank you so much! Your recipe is delicious, I just made it once again!
Allyson says
So happy to hear you loved it!
Jill says
Could you email this to me too?
StacY says
I would like like the original recipe
Ashley says
I would love the recipe as well. Awg1006@yahoo.com
Lindsay says
I would love the original recipe too! Lindsaybrye@gmail.com
Erin Croke says
I am a little late to the party, but would love a copy too!! erinkcroke@yahoo.com
Donna Brunet says
Me too, please!!!! I'm a couple thousand miles from home! Thank you!
Donna Brunet says
I'd love the original recipe as well! donnabrunet75@gmail.com
Hanna Denton says
I would love it too, please! Hdenton08@gmail.com
Corinne says
Could you please share the original with me too?! 🙂 Cjkworks@gmail.com
Marie Clark says
I would LOVE the actual Fancy Nancy Recipe! Please share to: Mariec6482@gmail.com.
Thanks!
Sherryl says
Hello, I would love the original recipe too. My friend loves this chicken salad. Her birthday is the 25th and she will be 60. I would love to make this for her. The chicken salad chick restaurant is about an hour away from where we live.
Thank you
Dawn says
Hi Cheyanne
May I have the Chicken Salad Chick recipe too? Thanks so much.
Maree says
I would love the recipe!
Suzanne says
I would love to have the real receipe.
Cheryl Mitchell says
Could i please get the original recipe for Fancy Nancy chicken salad? I just came across your comment. Thank you!
Vickie Hare says
Cheyanne, I would love the original recipe as well! I’m wondering if it contains the ranch seasoning. This is my favorite to order at Chicken Salad Chic! My email is vickhare@yahoo.com. Thank you so much!
Jamie says
I would love it!
Ramona says
I would love the original recipe. rmitchhart@comcast.net. Ty so much
Sharon says
'Can you please email me the recipe for fancy Nancy chicken salad?
Nancy says
Can you please share the recipe with me? Thank you.
Virginia Anthony says
I would like a copy of this recipe also. My email address is kitchenwiz.virginia@gmail.com. Thanks much.
Britt says
I would like it very much!! I know that it doesn't have the ranch powder.
Charity sweeton says
Would love the original as well. Will you please email to me at sweetoncharity30@yahoo.com
Candi Hancock says
Fancy Nancy is my favorite from Chicken Salad Chick. Can you email me the recipe please or is this recipe the same? I don’t taste ranch in the restaurant’s recipe. Thank you.
Allyson says
The ranch does not have an overwhelming flavor. It's for the seasoning.
Barbara says
Would you please send me the original recipe for fancy Nancy chicken salad. I have to go at least 30 minutes to their restaurants. Thank you very much bjelliottmail@gmail.com Barbara
Yvonne says
This is the only chicken salad I love. Would love the actual recipe please. Many thanks if you can send it to me!!!
Jan Bauer says
I would LOVE the actual Fancy Nancy chicken salad recipe that you have. I didn’t think theirs has celery in it. Do you have any of their other recipes?
Reenie says
It doesn’t … I can’t eat celery and when I asked them which ones do not have celery this one was on the list.
Anne Martin says
Would love the original recipe. Thanks.
Pat says
I am years late but I would love the original recipe for the chicken salad! Thank you!
Sheryl Hobbs says
Would you be willing to share the original recipe with me? 😊 if so, thank you!!
Lisa Miles says
I am just now seeing this because I’m searching for chicken salad recipes for my daughter’s baby shower. I would love to have the original recipe if you are willing to share - lkmiles344@gmail.com
Janice says
I’m just now seeing this post. I’ve searched forever for this recipe. I would love to have the recipe please.
Deborah Smith says
I would love your recipe for fancy Nancy !!
Becky says
Hi, Thanks for this. I love this from Chicken Salad Chick and now I can make this anytime. We love cold fresh pineapple and mango chunks with it. Could you see if you can figure out how to make Chicken Salad Chick's Pimento Cheese? I make homemade pimento cheese but I prefer theirs. I would just like to make it in bulk when I want to at home. Thanks for great recipes.
Allyson says
Becky! I do have a great pimento cheese recipe that seems similar to CSC! Check it out here!
Becky says
Wow! Thanks for this. Mine is similar but without the mustard, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. That might be the flavor that I am missing. I'm giving this one a try as well. I enjoy all of your recipes. The hubby is impatiently waiting on the CSC salad this week with fresh pineapple and mango on the side-lol.
Allyson says
That sounds incredible! Enjoy!
Joan Pearson says
How do you cook your chicken for chicken salad? Thank you!
Allyson says
I like to use my instant pot following these directions HERE. If you dont have an instant pot, go ahead and pop the chicken breasts in the oven at 350 for about 25 minutes, then shred 🙂
Neva says
I just got precooked chicken for mine…
Candi Hancock says
I just get a store bought rotisserie chicken for mine. It makes it even easier and everyone always loves it.
Allyson says
That is a great idea!
Kathy M says
If you have a nearby Costco, problem solved. Those $4.99 rotisserie chickens are wonderful for making chicken salad. Sometimes I stick them in the oven and bake them a few minutes more before using if I see fatty gel (from refrigeration) before use or a small bloody drainage. But they are wonderful and never disappoint.
Allyson says
good tip!
eileen says
could i mash a avocado up instead of mayo for the chicken salad?
Thank You for your reply
Allyson says
Yes! It will change the flavor but that will work. Maybe try adding a few TBS of greek yogurt to make it a bit creamier as well.
Alexa says
I’m so glad I stumbled on this recipe! Have lots of memories associated with the chicken salad chick. Is there any way to get a copycat Jalapeño Holly recipe? Thanks!
Julia says
I made this for my daughter's first birthday party with dried cranberries and sliced cashews and baked my chicken covered in ranch dressing and parmesan cheese. I received so many compliments and everyone was eating seconds and begging for the recipe. So, so delicious! Thank you for sharing this new favorite recipe!
Allyson says
That sounds TOTALLY delicious! So happy everyone loved it and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your daughter - what a special time!
Neva says
I was going to make this with one of the kids I work with, and decided to change it up a bit and it was good!
I stopped by a convenience store and they had strawberries and blueberries but no grapes… so I substituted their amazing chicken tenders for shredded chicken strawberries and green grapes and pecans, and added some lemon juice to the salad dressing… a great sandwich!
Allyson says
Sounds delicious!!!
Britt says
The Fancy Nancy at Chicken Salad Chick is dairy free so it cannot have the ranch powder. I made mine without it which was fine but I plan to do some experimenting with this recipe to find the missing seasoning/ingredient(s).
Susan says
Chicken Salad Chicks Fancy Nancy does not have celery.
Nancy says
I would like to get the Original Fancy Nancy recipe to compare
It’s my daughters favorite
Thank you, Allyson
Adam says
Even if you play with this recipe a bit, the bones are spot on and the flavor is wonderful. We love it and I get requests all the time.
Allyson says
So happy to hear you love it! Yes, it is definitely versatile and lots of room to switch it up for different flavors!
Linda Kindred says
Best chicken salad I have ever had it’s delicious.
Fancy says
They don't cut up the grapes, because they mess up the salad as they age, so nix the cutting of the grapes.
Denise says
For it to be closer to the real recipe, omit the celery, specify Dukes mayo, remove the Ranch seasoning. For spot-on texture use canned chicken
Winniebear says
Weird question.....the salad looks delicious although I've never heard of Fancy Nancy. I would like to know what kind of bread that it and where you bought it? It looks phenomenal. Crunchy exterior and light and airy interior.
Allyson says
It's a croissant! You can usually find them in a bakery or a grocery store bakery area 🙂
Taylor says
The ranch is the key! I couldn’t figure out WHY my chicken salad just wasn’t tasting the same, I’m so happy I found this recipe.
P.s if you like extra protein, using plain Greek yogurt as a 1/2 sub for the mayo works beautifully. Can’t tell.
Allyson says
YASSSS!!!! It does MAGIC, right?!?!
Beverly Crowe says
Great recipe! Follow the directions to a T. Family loved it! Will pass along when friends ask for a chicken salad recipe ❤️
Allyson says
Happy to hear you loved it as much as we do!
Patricia says
I like to swap this up a bit. Not liking celery, leave this out. Instead of ranch seasoning, mix mayo with a little brown sugar and a squeeze of lemon. This is so good also and just a little different. I don’t think there is celery in the Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad or I wouldn’t eat it!
Megan T says
Made this tonight - so quick easy, and delicious! I didn’t put the nuts in because most of my family are not fans of nuts, but I definitely added them back in for myself. I Next time I might go a little lighter on the mayonnaise, personally. But this is delicious!! The ratios are awesome… I tried a different recipe that put way too much ranch in it and that’s pretty much all I could taste. Yummy!
Allyson says
I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this chicken salad! It's definitely a keeper and I love that it can be customized for your personal preferences!
Kay fox says
The chicken salad was delicious!
Heather says
Delicious! I did do about half and half mayo and greek yogurt, but otherwise followed the recipe and loved it. It would probably be even better if I stuck with all mayo as written. 🙂
Emily says
SO happy I found this recipe since I no longer work near or have a CSC near me. I can’t speak to how close it is to the original CSC Fancy Nancy, but I can say it’s absolutely amazing and has me thinking about the next time I’ll eat it (just made it for lunch) 😋
Allyson says
So happy to hear you enjoy the recipe! WE love it over here, too!
Becky says
Hi! I love your recipes. This recipe is awesome. We moved from Georgia to Arizona and there are no Chicken Salad Chick restaurants here. I would love it if you could re create more of their recipes, especially the pimento cheese. I have tried but can't quite get it right. Thanks for all of your posts.
Allyson says
So happy to hear you loved them! Yes, missing that Chicken Salad Chick for sure!
Bonnie Sheppard says
I made this after my sister and I had lunch at Chicken Salad Chick last week. I just had to have the recipe. It was hot outside and this was a solution to being out in the heat which it was 105 heat index.
I made a few alterations. I'm into using what's opend before opening up another jar of something for a couple of tablespoons, so I used half cup mayo, quarter cup of sour cream, which I've seen in other recipes and instead of opening a package of ranch, I used a quarter cup of leftover homemade ranch. My ranch was made with half a cup of mayonnaise and a quarter cup of sour cream and a cup of plain Greek yogurt and a package of ranch. So I figured I had enough of ranch flavor. I add my salt and pepper to the mayonnaise mixture and gave a good mix. It was a little salty, but I figured the sweetness of the fruit would balance it out. After mixing it all up, I had to have a taste. It was sooo good, it was perfect.
Thanks for sharing this
Allyson says
Sounds like you did some great improvising with what you had on hand - way to go!