Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is one of those versatile dishes that can be enjoyed as a light meal or a filling snack, and this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is no exception. With the sweetness of dried cranberries, the crunch of pecans, and the savory flavor of tender chicken, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an ideal option for a quick lunch, a party dish, or even a hearty filling for sandwiches or wraps. Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

This chicken salad is both refreshing and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for any season. The addition of lemon juice and honey brings a touch of tang and sweetness, while the pecans offer a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken. Whether served in a croissant, on a bed of lettuce, or on its own, this salad is sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and can be enjoyed right away or stored in the fridge for later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect go-to meal when you’re short on time but want something delicious and satisfying.

2. Balanced Flavors

The combination of tangy lemon juice, sweet honey, and savory chicken makes for a well-rounded flavor profile, while the cranberries add sweetness and the pecans give a delightful crunch.

3. Versatile

You can serve this salad in many ways, such as in a croissant, on a bed of lettuce, or as a sandwich filling. It’s also perfect for meal prep!

4. Healthy Ingredients

Packed with lean chicken, nuts, and cranberries, this salad offers protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

You can easily make this chicken salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Cooked boneless skinless chicken breast
• Dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• Pecans, chopped
• Celery, diced
• Green onions, chopped
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Variations

• Add Apples or Grapes: For extra sweetness and crunch, add chopped apples or grapes to the salad.
• Swap Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
• Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a burst of flavor to the salad.
• Use Walnuts or Almonds: If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for a different nutty flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give the salad a spicy kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by chopping the cooked chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop the pecans and dried cranberries, dice the celery, and chop the green onions.

Step 2: Mix the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onions. Stir them together until they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Combine

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spoon to stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the chicken salad immediately on its own, or scoop it into croissants, rolls, or your favorite bread. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cook Chicken Ahead of Time: To save time, you can cook the chicken the day before and store it in the fridge.
• Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans will bring out their natural flavor. Simply place them in a pan over medium heat, spray with cooking oil, and heat for 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently. Chop them once cooled.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add more honey or a handful of extra dried cranberries.
• Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, chill the chicken salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Substitute with Rotisserie Chicken: To make the recipe even quicker, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.

How to Serve

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is extremely versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• On a Bed of Greens: Serve over a bed of mixed greens or lettuce for a light, healthy meal.
• In a Croissant or Roll: For a more filling option, stuff the salad into fluffy croissants, sandwiches, or dinner rolls.
• As a Wrap: Scoop the salad into a whole wheat wrap for an easy-to-carry lunch.
• As a Snack: Enjoy it with crackers or pita chips for a simple snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This chicken salad is not ideal for freezing because the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or after refrigerating for a few days.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply take it out of the fridge and serve when ready.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked chicken from a rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of nut?

You can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews if you prefer.

3. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free mayo alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.

4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this chicken salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

5. Can I add cheese to this chicken salad?

Absolutely! You can add some crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar for added creaminess.

6. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries will be much too tart, so it’s best to stick with dried cranberries for sweetness.

7. Can I substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.

8. Can I use a different sweetener than honey?

You can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different type of sweetness.

9. Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Yes, you can add extra veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots for more texture and flavor.

10. Can I serve this salad as a side dish?

Yes, this chicken salad makes an excellent side dish to a main course or as part of a picnic spread.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful and easy dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a party platter. With the combination of savory chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and a creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. It’s quick to make, incredibly versatile, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual meal or a gathering, this chicken salad is a flavorful and satisfying choice that everyone will love!

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