Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or casual gathering. Tender chicken is combined with tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing, creating a truly satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Textural: The combination of sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tender chicken creates a delightful eating experience.
• Easy and Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect no-cook meal.
• Versatile: Enjoy it in sandwiches, on salads, or as a standalone dish.

this Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad:

• Cooked chicken: 2 ½ cups, shredded or diced (about 2 chicken breasts).
• Dried cranberries: ½ cup, roughly chopped, for a sweet and tart flavor.
• Pecans: ⅓ cup, chopped, for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Celery: ⅓ cup, diced (1 stalk), for a crisp and refreshing element.
• Green onion: ¼ cup, chopped (2 pieces), for a mild onion flavor.
• Mayonnaise: ¾ cup, for a creamy and rich dressing.
• Lemon juice: 4 teaspoons, for a bright and citrusy tang.
• Honey: 1 tablespoon, for a touch of sweetness.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the flavors.
• Garlic powder: ¼ teaspoon, for a savory depth.
• Black pepper: ⅛ teaspoon, to add a subtle spice.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the cooked chicken, pecans, dried cranberries, celery, and green onions into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onions. Mix well.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spoon to mix until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated. Serve immediately on croissants, rolls, or on its own.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Toast the pecans: For enhanced flavor and texture, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Let them cool, then chop them.
• Use rotisserie chicken: For a quick and easy option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less honey to adjust the sweetness to your preference.

How to Serve

• Sandwiches: Serve on croissants, rolls, or toast for a delicious sandwich.
• Salad: Serve over a bed of leafy greens for a light and refreshing salad.
• Appetizer: Serve as a dip with crackers or vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

This chicken salad is best served cold, so reheating is not recommended.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries will add a tart flavor and different texture. If you choose to use fresh cranberries, you should cook them down slightly with a little sugar before adding them to the salad.

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as red onion, bell peppers, or grapes.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dressing.

Print