If you are looking for a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures wrapped up in one vibrant dish, then this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. It’s a bright and flavorful salad that perfectly balances tender chicken with the tartness of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of pecans. The creamy dressing brings it all together, making this recipe a wonderful choice for lunch, potlucks, or a refreshing snack that feels like a little celebration on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to add a unique flavor or texture, creating a harmonious and colorful dish without any fuss. From the juicy chicken to the zesty lemon in the dressing, everything combines to make every bite exciting.
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken: Shredded or diced for tender, protein-packed base flavor.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Roughly chopped to add a sweet, slightly tart contrast.
- ⅓ cup pecans: Chopped to bring a rich, buttery crunch.
- ⅓ cup celery: Diced to introduce a fresh, crisp bite that lightens the salad.
- ¼ cup green onion: Chopped for a subtle, sharp note that lifts the entire dish.
- ¾ cup mayonnaise: The creamy, smooth base of the dressing that binds all the flavors.
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds a zesty, bright acidity essential for balance.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A natural sweetener enhancing the cranberries and softening the tang.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To enhance and unify all the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle earthiness that deepens the taste without overwhelming.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: A faint warmth rounding out the seasoning.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Start by chopping your chicken, pecans, dried cranberries, celery, and green onions into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures that every forkful has a little bit of each ingredient, creating a delightful medley of textures and flavors.
Step 2: Combine Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, chopped pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onions. Stir these together so they begin to mingle and complement each other before the dressing joins the party.
Step 3: Make Dressing
Whisk the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a smaller bowl until the dressing is smooth and perfectly blended. This creamy mix adds the tang and sweetness essential to lifting the salad.
Step 4: Combine Salad
Pour your freshly made dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently stir everything until the chicken and crunchy vegetables are evenly coated and the salad is beautifully cohesive.
Step 5: Serve
Scoop out your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe and get ready to enjoy! It’s delightful served on buttery croissants, fresh rolls, or even on its own as a light, satisfying dish.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your salad with a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or a few whole dried cranberries on top for eye-catching texture and pops of color. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil can also brighten the dish and add a fresh aroma.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with crispy green salads, crusty artisan bread, or a side of fresh fruit to create a balanced and colorful meal. A light soup or a bowl of vegetable chips can also be lovely companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just a bowl: serve the salad stuffed into avocado halves, scooped atop crisp lettuce leaves for mini wraps, or in delicate phyllo cups for party-ready bites. These ideas elevate the experience and make it perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep or easy weekday lunches.
Freezing
Because this salad contains mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture and flavor. Instead, enjoy it fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If preferred warm, gently bring the chicken portion to temperature separately before mixing with the dressing and other ingredients to maintain the salad’s intended texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, adding delicious pre-cooked flavor while saving you prep time. Just shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces as the recipe suggests.
Can I substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt?
Yes, swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt can create a lighter version of the salad with a hint of tanginess, but it may alter the creaminess slightly. It’s a great option if you want a healthier twist.
How can I toast the pecans for extra flavor?
Simply place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. This enhances their buttery flavor and crunch.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned into containers for grab-and-go meals. Just be sure to store it properly and consume within a few days for the best taste and texture.
What can I serve with this salad for a complete lunch?
Pair the salad with some whole grain crackers, a fresh green salad, or a cup of soup to round out your meal with complementary textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this vibrant Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe in your kitchen repertoire, you’re just one step away from enjoying a refreshing, nourishing dish that everyone will love. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. So go ahead, give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming cooked chicken is pre-prepared)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or picnic. It combines tender cooked chicken with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and fresh green onions all tossed in a tangy honey-lemon mayonnaise dressing. Easy to prepare and packed with texture, this salad is delicious served on its own or in sandwiches.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 2 chicken breasts or 14 ounces cooked chicken)
- ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup pecans, chopped
- ⅓ cup celery, diced (1 stalk)
- ¼ cup green onion, chopped (2 pieces)
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Chop the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop the dried cranberries and pecans. Dice the celery stalk and chop the green onions finely.
- Combine Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, add the chopped chicken, pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onions. Mix them well to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Scoop the chicken salad into serving dishes or use it as a filling for croissants, rolls, or sandwiches. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate to chill before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead.
- The salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Serve on toasted bread or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option.
