Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

$To make a tasty cranberry pecan chicken salad, gather these items: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup celery, finely diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer flavor) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish) These ingredients blend well. The chicken offers protein, while cranberries add sweetness. Pecans bring crunch, and celery plus onion give fresh flavors. You can swap some ingredients for different flavors or dietary needs: - Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. You can also try canned chicken. - Greek yogurt: Mayonnaise works well for a creamier taste. You can also use a vegan yogurt for a dairy-free option. - Honey: Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan choice. - Nuts: Almonds or walnuts can work instead of pecans. - Celery and onion: Try bell peppers or cucumbers for a different crunch. These swaps keep the salad exciting and flexible for your taste. Understanding the nutrition helps you enjoy this dish more. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving: - Calories: Approximately 350-400 - Protein: About 30 grams - Fat: Roughly 20 grams - Carbohydrates: Around 15 grams - Fiber: About 3 grams - Sugar: Roughly 5 grams This salad packs protein and healthy fats. The fiber from the cranberries and celery adds a nice touch too. Enjoy it guilt-free as part of a balanced meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup celery, finely diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional) In a large bowl, mix the chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion. Make sure to mix well, so all the flavors blend. Use a separate bowl for the dressing. Whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Pour this over the chicken mix. Gently fold it in. The goal is to coat everything without breaking the chicken pieces. This keeps the texture nice and chunky. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors come alive. When serving, give the salad a gentle stir. You can serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh parsley. The colors and textures will make your dish pop. Enjoy this tasty meal! To make your chicken salad great, start with good chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can grill, bake, or boil the chicken. Boiling is quick and keeps the meat juicy. Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F. Let it cool before shredding or dicing. This keeps it easy to mix with other ingredients. To boost flavor, add herbs like thyme or basil. Try using different nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a crunch. A pinch of cayenne can add heat if you like spice. You can also mix in some chopped apples for sweetness. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with these additions. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. This makes it dry and tough. Another mistake is skipping the chill time. Chilling helps the flavors blend well. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Too little seasoning can make the dish bland. Lastly, avoid using too much dressing. This can make the salad soggy. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds extra flavor. Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like grapes, apples, or feta cheese for a unique twist on the classic recipe. {{image_2}} You can change up the protein in your cranberry pecan chicken salad. If you want to try something new, consider using turkey or rotisserie chicken. These options bring a similar taste but with a twist. For a unique flavor, try adding shredded pork or even deli meats like ham. Each choice gives a tasty spin to the salad. If you prefer a vegan or vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Chickpeas add a nice texture and protein. Tofu can absorb flavors well, making it a great choice. Use firm tofu, diced small, and sauté it lightly for extra flavor. You can also add avocado for creaminess. This keeps the salad rich and satisfying. Seasonal ingredients can elevate your salad. In summer, try adding fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. They add a burst of flavor and color. In the fall, swap dried cranberries for fresh cranberries or even diced apples for crunch. You can also use nuts like walnuts or almonds based on what is fresh. Each season offers unique flavors to explore in your salad. To keep your cranberry pecan chicken salad fresh, use an airtight container. This helps prevent any unwanted odors from your fridge. Always make sure the salad is cooled before placing it in the container. Label the container with the date to track freshness. Cranberry pecan chicken salad lasts about three to four days in the fridge. After that, the ingredients may not taste as fresh. Always check for any signs of spoilage before you enjoy it. If the salad smells off or looks different, it’s best to toss it. You can freeze the chicken salad, but some ingredients may not hold up well. The texture of the celery and cranberries could change. If you still want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container. Use it within two months for the best taste. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Enjoy your salad cold, as reheating may not work well with the yogurt or mayonnaise. You can use mayonnaise as a substitute for Greek yogurt. It gives a rich taste. You might also try sour cream for a tangy flavor. If you want a lighter option, try plain yogurt. Each choice will change the salad’s taste a bit. To make this salad low-carb, swap out the dried cranberries with fresh ones. Fresh cranberries have fewer carbs. You can also reduce the honey or skip it for less sugar. Lastly, use a low-carb dressing instead of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. These changes keep the taste while cutting carbs. Yes, you can make this salad in advance. It tastes even better after chilling for a while. Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to stir it gently before serving. Enjoy your meal! This blog post covers all you need to create a great salad. We looked at key ingredients, how to prepare and present them, and tips for perfect flavor. You learned about ingredient swaps and storage tips. Lastly, we answered frequently asked questions to keep your salad fresh and delicious. Remember, a great salad can be fun and easy to make. Feel free to try new proteins and flavor choices. Enjoy experimenting and make each salad your own!$

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

A refreshing and flavorful chicken salad with cranberries and pecans.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
0.5 cup dried cranberries
0.33 cup pecans, roughly chopped
0.25 cup celery, finely diced
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer flavor)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
to taste Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and chopped red onion. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold it in, ensuring that all ingredients are coated without breaking the chicken.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting any component according to your flavor preference.
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap for a delightful meal.

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Keyword chicken salad, cranberry, healthy, pecan