Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

$To make a great cranberry pecan chicken salad, you need these main ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, plump and sweet - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped for a delightful crunch - 1/3 cup celery, finely chopped for freshness - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced for a mild sharpness - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, creamy base - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, for a tangy kick - 1 tablespoon honey, to add a hint of sweetness - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, for brightness - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - A handful of fresh mixed greens for serving You can easily change some ingredients to fit your needs: - Chicken: Use canned chicken for quick prep or tofu for a vegetarian option. - Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies. - Dressing: Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or avocado for a creamy texture. - Sweetener: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. Choosing fresh ingredients makes your salad taste great. Here’s what to look for: - Chicken: Use cooked chicken from a trusted source. It should smell good and be moist. - Cranberries: Pick plump, soft cranberries. They should have a bright color. - Pecans: Choose nuts that smell fresh and have no signs of mold. - Vegetables: Look for crisp celery and vibrant onions. They should feel firm in your hand. - Yogurt: Check the expiration date and choose a brand with no added sugars for health. - Greens: Select mixed greens that are bright green and free from dark spots. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by shredding or dicing two cups of cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. The pieces should be bite-sized for easy eating. Place your chicken in a large mixing bowl. This base adds protein and makes the salad filling. Next, add half a cup of dried cranberries for a sweet taste. Include half a cup of roughly chopped pecans for a delightful crunch. Then, chop one-third cup of celery finely to add freshness. Add a quarter cup of diced red onion for a mild sharpness. Gently stir all these ingredients until they are mixed well. This colorful mix makes your salad appealing and tasty. In another bowl, whisk together half a cup of Greek yogurt. Add one tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a nice tang. Then mix in one tablespoon of honey for a hint of sweetness. Squeeze in one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure it is smooth and well combined. Pour this creamy dressing over the chicken mix. Use a spatula to fold it gently. Ensure that every ingredient is coated well. This step is key for flavor in every bite. To enhance the taste of your cranberry pecan chicken salad, focus on the seasonings. Start with salt and pepper. Add them little by little, tasting as you go. This way, you find the right balance. If you want more flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder. These spices give an extra kick. Lemon juice adds brightness, so don’t skip it. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also elevate your dish. Just chop them finely and mix them in. Keeping your chicken salad fresh is easy. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps prevent air from spoiling it. If you know you won’t eat it all at once, keep the dressing separate. This way, the salad stays crisp longer. When ready to eat, just add the dressing and mix. If you want it to last even longer, use fresh chicken. Cook it right before you make the salad, if possible. Meal prep makes enjoying this salad easy. Make a big batch and store it in individual containers. This is perfect for lunches or quick snacks. Serve it over mixed greens for a fresh touch. You can also use it as a sandwich filling. Try it in a wrap for a fun twist. If you like snacks, serve it on crackers. This chicken salad is good any way you choose to enjoy it! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a nice flavor to the salad. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different texture or flavor. Chill for Best Flavor: Allow the salad to chill for a longer period than 30 minutes if possible. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Make it a Meal: Serve the chicken salad in a whole-grain wrap or on a bed of quinoa for a heartier meal option. {{image_4}} You can change the nuts in this salad for extra flavor. Walnuts work great. They add a rich, earthy taste. Almonds are another choice. They offer a nice crunch. If you want something sweet, try pecans. They pair well with the cranberries. Each nut brings its own twist to the dish. Feel free to add more veggies or fruits. Chopped apples give a sweet crunch. Diced bell peppers add color and flavor. You can also try shredded carrots for a pop of orange. If you love greens, add baby spinach or arugula. Each addition makes the salad more colorful and tasty. Greek yogurt is creamy and rich, but you can swap it out. Sour cream adds a different tang. If you want a lighter option, use cottage cheese. For a dairy-free choice, try avocado or hummus. Each base changes the texture and taste while keeping it delicious. To keep your cranberry pecan chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge as soon as you finish eating. This keeps it safe from bacteria and helps the flavors stay strong. Always use a clean spoon to serve. This prevents germs from getting into your salad. You can freeze this chicken salad if you want to save it for later. However, the texture of some ingredients might change. To freeze, put the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw it in the fridge when you're ready to eat. Use it within a month for the best taste. The chicken salad lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Check for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or a change in color. If you see any mold, throw it away. To stay safe, always trust your senses. If it looks or smells off, it’s better to toss it. Yes, you can use canned chicken. It saves time and is easy to find. Just drain and rinse it before adding to your salad. Canned chicken may be less tender than freshly cooked chicken. However, it will still taste great in this dish. If you use canned chicken, try to pick a brand with no added salt for a healthier option. Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe. Place it in the fridge and eat it within three days. Always check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. In fact, letting it chill helps the flavors blend well. Prepare it a few hours before serving or even the night before. Just remember to keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve. This dish is perfect for meal prep or gatherings! In this post, we explored essential ingredients for chicken salad and offered alternatives for different diets. We covered step-by-step instructions for preparation and shared tips for perfect seasonings and storage. You now have variations to try and answers to common questions. For your next meal, use fresh ingredients to boost flavor and nutrition. Keep your chicken salad fresh and exciting by exploring these helpful tips. Enjoy crafting your perfect chicken salad!$

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

A refreshing and flavorful chicken salad with cranberries and pecans, perfect for a light meal or snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces
0.5 cup dried cranberries, plump and sweet
0.5 cup pecans, roughly chopped
0.33 cup celery, finely chopped
0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
0.5 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
a handful fresh mixed greens for serving

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, finely chopped celery, and diced red onion. Stir gently until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
In another bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the dressing into the chicken and veggie mix until everything is well-coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes.
When ready to serve, plate the chicken salad generously over a bed of fresh mixed greens.

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Keyword chicken salad, healthy, light meal