Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps

Okay, picture this: You’ve got tender chicken, crunchy pecans, a burst of sweet cranberries, and a creamy dressing all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Sounds like heaven, right? These Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps are everything you didn’t know you needed in your life. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a dish to impress at a picnic or gathering, this recipe has got you covered. It’s easy, it’s flavorful, and trust me, you’re going to want to make this over and over again.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps

This recipe isn’t just about a delicious chicken salad; it’s about having a meal that feels like a treat, but without all the fuss. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself reaching for when you’re craving something fresh and satisfying. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Versatile: These wraps are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner, packing them in a lunchbox, or offering them as a light appetizer at a gathering. They fit right in.
• Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients, you can make a dish that feels special without breaking the bank.
• Quick and Easy: It’s a no-fuss recipe with simple steps—just toss together a few ingredients and wrap it up. If you’re short on time but still want something tasty, this is the way to go.
• Customizable: Whether you like it more tangy with a little extra dressing, or prefer adding a bit of crunch with extra pecans, it’s easy to adjust this recipe to your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This chicken salad is a hit with everyone—from kids to adults. The sweet, savory, and nutty flavors come together so well that it’s always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that come together to create this delicious chicken salad wrap:

Chicken: The base of this salad. Shredded or diced cooked chicken, preferably rotisserie for ease, provides the perfect protein-packed foundation.

Pecans: These crunchy, buttery nuts add such a great texture and flavor to the salad. They bring a little earthiness and a whole lot of crunch!

Cranberries: Sweet, tart, and a bit chewy, these little gems pop in your mouth and add that wonderful fruity burst. Dried cranberries are perfect here!

Mayonnaise: The creamy element that holds everything together. It makes the salad rich and smooth, creating the perfect contrast to the crunchy pecans and sweet cranberries.

Greek Yogurt: For a lighter, tangier twist to the classic mayo, Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a little bit of zing. You can adjust the ratio depending on how creamy or tangy you like it.

Celery: Chopped celery adds that refreshing crunch that makes this salad so satisfying. It also gives it a bit of freshness to balance the richness.

Red Onion: A little bit of finely chopped red onion adds sharpness and color to the salad, elevating the flavor profile.

Lettuce: For a crisp bite and to balance out the richness of the chicken salad, lettuce makes the wrap feel fresh and vibrant.

Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas are perfect for wrapping up all this goodness, but you can easily swap for whole wheat or any wrap of your choice.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making these tasty wraps! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time:

Prepare the Chicken:

Start by shredding or dicing the cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for a quick and easy option, or you can cook your own chicken if you prefer.

Make the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, chopped celery, and red onion. Give it a good toss to mix everything evenly.

Add the Creamy Base:

In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Add it to the chicken mixture, and stir gently until everything is well-coated. Adjust the mayo-to-yogurt ratio to your liking—more mayo for richness, more yogurt for tang.

Season to Taste:

Taste the chicken salad and season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and if you’d like, a splash of lemon juice for a little extra brightness.

Assemble the Wraps:

Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place a generous scoop of the chicken salad in the center of the tortilla. Top with a few lettuce leaves for extra crunch.

Wrap It Up:

Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly to create your wrap. Repeat for the remaining wraps.

Serve and Enjoy:

Cut the wraps in half, serve them up, and enjoy the fresh, crunchy, and creamy goodness of these Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps

These wraps are perfect just as they are, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

• Side Salad: Pair these wraps with a simple green salad for a light, healthy meal. A light vinaigrette or balsamic dressing would work beautifully alongside the creamy chicken salad.
• Soup: Serve with a bowl of soup (tomato soup, maybe?) for a cozy, comforting meal.
• Pickles: A side of crunchy pickles adds a tangy, briny contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries in the salad.
• Chips: A side of crunchy potato chips or veggie chips will add a satisfying crunch and keep the meal feeling fun and casual.

Make sure to cut the wraps in half and serve on a pretty plate for that extra touch!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your wraps are perfect every time:

• Prep Ahead: If you’re making this for a busy week, prep the chicken salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The flavors only get better after sitting for a few hours!
• Customize: Feel free to add other ingredients to the chicken salad—grapes, apples, or even a bit of crumbled feta can elevate the flavor.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the mayo and yogurt for dairy-free options to suit dietary preferences.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The wraps can also be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored for a day or so, but they’re best fresh.
• Wraps for Lunch: This makes a great meal prep recipe! Just prepare everything, wrap them up, and have a ready-to-go lunch for the next few days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this recipe without mayo?
A1: Yes! You can use all Greek yogurt if you prefer or even try a creamy avocado dressing for a healthier twist.

Q2: Can I add other fruits to this salad?
A2: Absolutely! Sliced grapes or diced apples would be delicious additions. You can mix and match based on what you have on hand.

Q3: How do I store leftover chicken salad?
A3: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just don’t assemble the wraps until you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

Q4: Can I use a different type of nut?
A4: Yes! Walnuts or almonds would work wonderfully in this recipe if you prefer a different type of nut.

Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
A5: Yes, the chicken salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat.

Q6: How do I keep the wraps from getting soggy?
A6: If you’re packing these for later, wrap them tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.

Q7: Can I use lettuce from a bag for these wraps?
A7: Definitely! Pre-washed bagged lettuce works just fine. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid sogginess.

Q8: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Q9: Can I add cheese to the chicken salad?
A9: Yes! A bit of shredded cheese, like sharp cheddar or feta, would be a delicious addition to the salad.

Q10: How do I reheat these wraps?
A10: These wraps are best served cold or at room temperature. If you must reheat them, wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F.

Conclusion

There you have it! These Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps are the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s satisfying, fresh, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, this recipe is sure to become a go-to. Make it once, and I promise you’ll want to make it again! Enjoy!

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