Blackberry chicken salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and creamy, making it a delightful summer lunch or light dinner. This recipe is inspired by my grandmother’s love for fresh, seasonal ingredients. She always taught me that the best meals come from simple, high quality components. I remember her picking blackberries straight from the bush and incorporating them into her salads. This blackberry chicken salad brings back those cherished memories with every bite.
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Why You Will Love This blackberry chicken salad Recipe
This blackberry chicken salad recipe is incredibly easy to make, taking only minutes to whip up. It is a light and refreshing meal, ideal for warm days when you do not want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy blackberries, tender chicken, and creamy dressing creates a satisfying flavor. It is also easily customizable to suit your dietary preferences, making it a versatile option. This delightful salad is also a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken, transforming it into a quick and exciting meal.
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Ingredients Needed for This blackberry chicken salad Recipe
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds, for added crunch

How to Make This blackberry chicken salad Recipe
- 1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- 2. Add the shredded or cubed chicken, blackberries, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
- 3. Gently toss all ingredients together until well coated. For a beautiful presentation, reserve a few blackberries for to garnish the final salad.
- 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice according to your preference.
- 5. If desired, stir in chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch and texture.
- 6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional, but it will give the flavors a chance to fully combine.
- 7. Serve chilled on lettuce cups, croissants, or as a filling for sandwiches.
How to Serve This blackberry chicken salad Recipe
This blackberry chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a light lunch atop crisp lettuce cups for a low carb chicken salad option. You could also use it as a filling for croissants or regular sandwiches. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a side of fruit salad or a simple green salad. Garnishing with extra blackberries and a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a beautiful finishing touch. If you feel like making something warm to accompany the salad, Creamy Chicken Dumplings could be an excellent choice.
How to Store This blackberry chicken salad Recipe
Store any leftover blackberry chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 2 to 3 days, as the blackberries may become soft over time. Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of the mayonnaise and fruit. When serving after refrigeration, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors again.
Tips to Make This blackberry chicken salad Recipe
- For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe blackberries. If fresh blackberries are not available, frozen blackberries can be used but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the salad.
- To save time, use pre cooked or rotisserie chicken. Making the process even smoother.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing to your liking by adding more or less honey.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the amount of lemon juice.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you desire.
- Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before mixing with the other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming warm.
Helpful Notes for This blackberry chicken salad Recipe
Blackberries not only add sweetness and flavor but are rich in antioxidants. If you are looking for some delicious baked goods to highlight blackberries, check out Homemade Blackberry Pie. Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess while reducing the overall fat content compared to using only mayonnaise. Feel free to substitute other types of nuts, such as walnuts or slivered almonds, based on your preference. A dash of hot sauce can be added for a spicy touch.
Variation of This blackberry chicken salad Recipe
For a seasonal twist, try using raspberries or blueberries instead of blackberries. To make a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a richer flavor, try using avocado oil mayonnaise. You can also add other fruits like grapes or chopped apples for additional sweetness and crunch. For a seafood salad, give Strawberry Avocado Shrimp Salad a try.
What goes well with blackberry chicken salad?
Blackberry chicken salad pairs well with a variety of sides, such as fresh croissants, mixed greens salad, or even as a filling for lettuce wraps. The sweet and savory flavors make it versatile for different accompaniments.
Can I make blackberry chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare blackberry chicken salad in advance. It’s best to store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, add the dressing just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.
What is the best way to store blackberry chicken salad?
Store blackberry chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. Ensure the salad is properly sealed to avoid any moisture absorption from the surrounding air.
Is blackberry chicken salad healthy for you?
Blackberry chicken salad can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients used. Using lean chicken, Greek yogurt, and fresh blackberries provide protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Be mindful of the amount of added sugar and mayonnaise in the dressing.
Conclusion
This blackberry chicken salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its combination of sweet blackberries, tender chicken, and creamy dressing makes it a crowd pleaser. I highly recommend trying this recipe and experiencing the unique flavors for yourself. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a simple dinner, this blackberry chicken salad is sure to satisfy.

Blackberry Chicken Salad: The BEST Easy Low Carb Recipe!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and easy to make chicken salad with juicy blackberries, creamy dressing, and crunchy celery and red onion. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds, for added crunch
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded or cubed chicken, blackberries, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well coated. Reserve a few blackberries for garnish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice according to your preference.
- If desired, stir in chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch and texture.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled on lettuce cups, croissants, or as a filling for sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: blackberry, chicken salad, easy, lunch, summer, low carb
