Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped - 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced - 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) To start, gather all your ingredients. I recommend using cooked chicken breast. You can shred it or cube it, based on your taste. Next, grab dried cranberries. They add a sweet twist. Then, use coarsely chopped pecans for that crunch. Celery brings in a nice crisp texture, and red onion adds a mild bite. For the dressing, plain Greek yogurt works well. If you prefer it creamier, use mayonnaise instead. Dijon mustard gives it a tangy kick, while honey adds sweetness. Don't forget salt and black pepper for flavor. Lastly, fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish, but it's optional. This mix of flavors and textures makes the salad fresh and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mixing the Chicken and Vegetables Start by grabbing a big bowl. Add 2 cups of cooked chicken. You can shred or cube it. Next, toss in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Follow that with 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. Then, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery and 1/4 cup of diced red onion. Mix everything well using a spatula. Make sure the chicken and veggies are evenly spread. - Preparing the Dressing In a smaller bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt. You can swap it for mayonnaise if you want creaminess. Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of honey. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and blended. - Combining the Chicken Mixture and Dressing Drizzle the dressing over the chicken mix. Use the spatula to fold the chicken and dressing together. This step is important! Ensure all ingredients get coated. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed. - Chilling and Serving the Salad Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors mix. When you’re ready to serve, gently toss the salad again. If you like, add some chopped parsley on top for color. Serve on mixed greens or in bowls for a nice touch. Choosing the Right Chicken Start with cooked chicken breast. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Shredding or cubing the chicken works great. The texture helps mix well with other ingredients. Adjusting the Dressing Consistency I prefer plain Greek yogurt for a healthy twist. If you want it creamier, add mayonnaise instead. Adjust the amount to your taste. If the dressing feels too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice. This keeps it light and fresh. Flavor Enhancements: Herbs and Spices Herbs can elevate your salad. Fresh parsley adds color and taste. You might try dill or tarragon for a different flavor profile. A pinch of garlic powder or paprika can add warmth. Experiment with spices to find what you love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly cooked chicken breast instead of pre-packaged or canned chicken. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Add a Zesty Twist: Incorporate a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors of the salad. Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop for a delicious meal prep option. {{image_4}} - Substituting Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise You can swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. This change cuts fat and adds protein. Greek yogurt has a tangy taste that brightens the salad. It also keeps the dish creamy and delicious. - Adding Fruits and Vegetables You can mix in other fruits and veggies for more flavor. Chopped apples or grapes add sweetness. Bell peppers give a nice crunch. You can also try adding shredded carrots for color and texture. - Nut-Free Options If you need a nut-free version, leave out the pecans. You can replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch. This keeps the texture enjoyable while making it safe for those with nut allergies. Feel free to play around with these options. Each variation makes this salad unique and tasty! Best Practices for Refrigeration To keep your cranberry pecan chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and keep out air. Make sure the salad is cool before sealing. Place it in the fridge right away. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Freezing Instructions You can freeze this salad, but it may change the texture. For best results, freeze only the chicken part. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out any air and seal it well. Use it within 2 to 3 months for optimal taste. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Shelf Life and Signs of Spoilage Check for spoilage before eating. Look for off smells or changes in color. If you see any mold or weird textures, it’s best to toss the salad. The dressing can separate after a few days, but a quick stir usually fixes it. Always trust your senses; they guide you well in the kitchen! Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred or chop it before mixing it with the other ingredients. How long does the salad last in the fridge? The salad lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. What can I serve with Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad? This salad pairs well with mixed greens, crackers, or bread. You can also enjoy it in a wrap or sandwich for a quick meal. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead. Just keep it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors will blend nicely. Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, this salad is gluten-free. Just check the labels on your ingredients to be sure they meet your needs. This blog post covered all you need for a delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. We started with the essential ingredients and moved to step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for perfecting your salad, explored variations, and found helpful storage info. Remember, you can easily adjust the recipe for your taste. Enjoy this tasty dish at your next meal!$

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
0.5 cup dried cranberries
0.5 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
0.25 cup celery, finely chopped
0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
0.75 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a creamier texture)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded or cubed chicken with the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, finely chopped celery, and diced red onion. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are well distributed.
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, honey, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and completely blended.
Drizzle the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together with a spatula, ensuring that everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
Cover the mixing bowl securely with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Just before serving, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or in individual bowls. Consider adding a few extra cranberries or pecan halves on top for an appealing finishing touch.

Keyword chicken salad, cranberry, easy recipe, healthy, pecan