If you are craving a salad that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and crunchy in every bite, then you must try this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe. It combines tender chicken with tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy, slightly tangy dressing. Whether you’re packing a quick lunch or entertaining guests, this refreshing salad is a true crowd-pleaser that comes together in just minutes. The delightful contrast of flavors and textures makes it an instant favorite for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the key to nailing this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe. Each element plays an essential role: the chicken provides hearty protein, cranberries add bursts of sweetness, pecans bring a delightful crunch, and the dressing ties everything together with creamy, tangy notes.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped: The star that delivers a satisfying and lean protein base.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped: For a buttery crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped: Offers refreshing crispness and subtle earthiness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Provides a mild, zesty bite to balance the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option): Creates a luscious, creamy coating with a hint of tang.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Brings gentle floral sweetness that complements the cranberries.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a slight spicy zing to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every flavor.
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Key Ingredients
Start by placing the shredded or chopped chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion right on top. This combination of ingredients creates a wonderful medley of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise with honey, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper. The honey mellows the tang from the Dijon mustard, creating a perfectly balanced dressing that clings to every piece of chicken.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a gentle folding motion to toss everything together until each ingredient is evenly coated. This ensures every bite delivers a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give the salad a quick taste test and add more salt or pepper if needed. This step is important because it allows you to fine-tune the seasoning perfectly to your liking before chilling.
Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor
Refrigerate the combined salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the overall texture of the salad.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Once chilled, your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy! This salad is incredibly versatile and can be eaten simply by itself or transformed into something special.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a vibrant burst of color and a mild herbal freshness that perfectly complements the sweet and savory flavors of the salad.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, crusty artisan bread, or crunchy crackers. For a fuller meal, offering fresh fruit or lightly roasted vegetables alongside can round out the dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad inside a buttery croissant or rolled into a whole wheat wrap for a portable lunch treat. You can also spoon it atop toasted baguette slices as a sophisticated appetizer. The possibilities are endless and always delicious with this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals or snacks later in the week.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing is not recommended for this recipe—it can cause separation and change the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid reheating to maintain the crispness of the celery and crunch of the pecans, preserving the salad’s delightful textures.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds flavor and convenience, making your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe come together even faster.
Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a wonderful substitute for mayonnaise that reduces fat and adds extra protein while keeping the dressing creamy and tangy.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based chicken substitute, and use vegan mayonnaise. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a delicious vegan twist.
What can I use instead of pecans?
You can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds—any crunchy nut or seed will provide great texture and flavor variation.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
It’s best prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld. Avoid making it more than one day in advance to ensure freshness and the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe, it just might become your new go-to dish for lunches, picnics, or casual dinners. Its combination of flavors and textures is truly irresistible and easy to prepare. I encourage you to make it soon—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so flavorful and special!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and flavorful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad combining shredded chicken with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy honey Dijon dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a tasty sandwich filling.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, finely chopped celery, and diced red onion until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Mix Dressing with Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture, then gently toss everything together to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Season to Taste: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed to achieve your desired flavor balance.
- Refrigerate: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Serve: Serve the chilled chicken salad on a bed of greens, inside sandwiches or wraps, or alongside crackers. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Refrigerating the salad enhances the flavor but it can be served immediately if needed.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked and cooled before preparing the salad.
- This salad keeps well for up to 2 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
