Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, crave-worthy dish to bring to your next lunch date or picnic, Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is about to become your new best friend. This salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, all lovingly tossed together into a creamy, crunchy masterpiece. With pops of tart cranberries, toasty pecans, and tender chicken, it packs loads of texture and taste into every bite. Whether you’re scooping it onto leafy greens, tucking it into a sandwich, or simply eating it straight from the bowl (who could blame you?), this one-bowl wonder dazzles every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, no-fuss ingredients come together to make this Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad shine. Each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s flavor, crunch, or creamy comfort. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need (and why you’ll love it).
- Chicken breast: Opt for cooked, shredded or chopped chicken breast for a protein-packed base that’s sturdy enough to hold all the goodies.
- Dried cranberries: These add vibrant color and bursts of tart-sweet flavor that perfectly balance the savory ingredients.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans deliver irresistible crunch and a subtle buttery richness; lightly toasting them deepens their flavor even more.
- Celery: Finely diced celery brings a fresh, juicy crunch to every bite, keeping the salad lively and bright.
- Red onion: Just a touch, finely chopped, for a lively kick and mild zing that lifts up the whole salad.
- Mayonnaise: This is the creamy foundation that binds everything together; feel free to swap half for Greek yogurt if you like it lighter.
- Dijon mustard: Tangy and just a touch sharp, it adds pep and rounds out the dressing’s flavor.
- Lemon juice: A splash of brightness that wakes up every ingredient, making flavors pop.
- Salt and black pepper: Season just to taste to bring all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Step 1: Combine the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, start by adding your cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and red onion. You’ll want to toss these together gently to distribute the color and crunch evenly—this is where the magic begins, and the bowl starts looking pretty irresistible already!
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice until everything is creamy and smooth. This simple dressing is what brings all those fantastic flavors together, making the salad luscious without overpowering those star ingredients.
Step 3: Mix It All Up
Pour your creamy dressing right over the chicken mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir everything together until all the chicken and add-ins are beautifully coated. This step is where you can really appreciate the look and aromas of your Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad starting to come together!
Step 4: Season and Chill
Now is the moment to taste and adjust the salt and black pepper—you want every bite to sing! Once seasoned, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little rest time helps the flavors meld and develop into pure deliciousness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, give your salad a quick toss and serve it however you fancy: piled atop greens, packed into sandwiches or wraps, or served solo with crackers alongside. The Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is ready to wow tastebuds and bring on the smiles!
How to Serve Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Top your chicken salad with a shower of extra cranberries and some reserved pecan pieces for a burst of color and crunch right before serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions adds a lovely touch and makes your dish look fresh from a café.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad quite like a crisp side salad of mixed greens, a bowl of seasonal fresh fruit, or a handful of crunchy kettle chips. For a heartier meal, try pairing it with a cup of chilled gazpacho or a slice of toasted whole grain bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Scoop your chicken salad into lettuce cups for a refreshing, gluten-free bite, or spoon it into mini croissants for an elegant brunch treat. You can even pack it into an avocado half or serve it in pretty jars for a cute, portable lunch option. The possibilities truly are endless with the Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Its flavor only gets better as the ingredients mingle, so it’s a dream for make-ahead lunches or meal prepping!
Freezing
While it’s tempting, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. The creamy dressing and celery can become watery and lose their lovely texture once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated, and prepare only as much as you’ll eat within a few days.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat—Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is most delicious served chilled or at cool room temperature. Just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the flavors and you’re set!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker and infuses it with extra flavor. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred or chop the meat before adding.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, swap out half (or even all) of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. It keeps the salad creamy but adds a touch of tang and extra protein.
Is there a good pecan substitute if I have a nut allergy?
You can leave out the pecans entirely or substitute with roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without the nuts.
Will this chicken salad taste good with added fruit?
Yes! Chopped apples or halved grapes pair deliciously with the cranberries and pecans, adding even more sweetness and freshness to your Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.
Can I make Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad ahead of time for parties?
Definitely! In fact, making it a few hours in advance is encouraged, as the flavors will meld beautifully. Just give it a gentle stir and adjust seasoning before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s no better way to brighten up any day than digging into a bowl of Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. It’s bursting with flavor, perfect for meal prepping or sharing, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes and imagination. Give it a try—your future lunches will thank you!
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Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy dressing creates a harmony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and chopped red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled on a sandwich, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for a lighter option.
- Add chopped apples for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Toast the pecans for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
