Name: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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If you’re looking for a salad that’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with a little crunch, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is your new go-to! This dish brings together juicy chicken, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Whether you’re making it for lunch, serving it at a gathering, or just craving something light but satisfying, this chicken salad is a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This salad is so much more than just a bowl of greens—it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll love it:

Balanced Flavors: The sweet cranberries, savory chicken, and earthy pecans come together for the perfect balance of flavors.
Textural Delight: With the crunch of the pecans and the creaminess of the dressing, each bite is a delightful mix of textures.
Customizable: You can tweak it to your liking by adding more veggies, switching the nuts, or even adding cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy days, this recipe takes minimal prep and comes together in no time.
Healthy & Filling: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this salad will keep you full and satisfied without weighing you down.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad:

Chicken

Grilled or roasted chicken breast is the base of this salad. It’s lean, flavorful, and adds the perfect protein to keep you full.

Cranberries

Dried cranberries add a tart sweetness that perfectly balances the savory chicken and the richness of the dressing.

Pecans

Toasted pecans give the salad a crunchy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish.

Mixed Greens

A mix of baby spinach, arugula, or any other leafy greens you love forms the bed of the salad, offering freshness and color.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced red onion adds a bit of sharpness that complements the sweetness of the cranberries.

Feta Cheese (Optional)

For a creamy, tangy addition, crumbled feta cheese is optional but highly recommended for an extra burst of flavor.

Dressing

A simple dressing made with mayo, Dijon mustard, honey, and a touch of lemon juice ties everything together in a smooth, creamy way.

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

Instructions

Ready to make this delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad? Here’s how you do it:

Prepare the Chicken

If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts (grilled, roasted, or even shredded rotisserie chicken works great). Let it cool and then chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Toast the Pecans

In a dry pan, lightly toast the pecans over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring often. This brings out their nutty flavor and adds a perfect crunch to the salad.

Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Wash and dry your greens, slice the red onion, and crumble the feta cheese (if using).

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the greens, chicken, cranberries, pecans, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, or store the salad in the fridge for later. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (for chicken)
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

On Its Own: Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner on its own. It’s hearty enough to be satisfying but won’t leave you feeling overly full.
In a Wrap: Make a quick and easy wrap by placing the salad in a tortilla or flatbread for a portable lunch.
With a Side: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or a light soup for a complete meal.
Over Quinoa or Rice: For a heartier option, serve the salad over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for added protein and fiber.
On a Bed of Greens: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for an extra serving of veggies.

Additional Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For even faster prep, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver that still delivers great flavor.
Make it Vegan: Skip the chicken and swap in roasted chickpeas or a plant-based protein for a vegan version. Use dairy-free mayo and skip the feta.
Make the Dressing Your Own: Feel free to add a splash of apple cider vinegar or swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Toast the Pecans: Don’t skip toasting the pecans! It makes a huge difference in flavor, bringing out a rich, roasted taste that complements the salad beautifully.
Prep Ahead: You can make the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Prepare the chicken ahead of time for an even quicker meal.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A1: Fresh cranberries are quite tart, so they wouldn’t give the same sweetness as dried. If using fresh, you might want to cook them down with a bit of sugar to create a similar flavor.

Q2: Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
A2: Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would make a great alternative if you don’t have pecans on hand.

Q3: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A3: You can prep all the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. However, add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Q4: How do I store leftover salad?
A4: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the greens may wilt over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Q5: Is this salad gluten-free?
A5: Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as you’re using gluten-free dressing and any other optional add-ins.

Q6: Can I use a different dressing for this salad?
A6: Of course! You can use a balsamic vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing, or a yogurt-based dressing if you prefer.

Q7: Can I add other fruits to this salad?
A7: Yes! Feel free to add sliced apples, pears, or even some grapes for extra sweetness and texture.

Q8: Can I make this recipe with grilled chicken instead of roasted?
A8: Grilled chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a delicious smoky flavor to the salad.

Q9: Can I freeze the chicken for later use?
A9: Yes! Grilled or roasted chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it out before using it in the salad.

Q10: How can I make this salad lower in calories?
A10: You can use a lighter mayo or Greek yogurt for the dressing, skip the feta, and reduce the amount of nuts for a lighter version.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing side, or a healthy dinner option. The combination of sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing will have you reaching for seconds. So go ahead, give it a try, and let your taste buds enjoy this delightful salad!