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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that combines the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy elements. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch, as a side for dinner, or even preparing it for a picnic or potluck, this chicken salad is sure to please. The creamy mayonnaise dressing is enhanced with the subtle sweetness of honey and the tartness of lemon juice, while the dried cranberries and pecans bring in delightful textures and tastes. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to be served in various ways—whether on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or even as a dip. It’s the ideal combination of ingredients that turn a simple salad into a gourmet treat.

The ingredients are simple, but the result is an unforgettable combination of flavors and textures. Chicken provides the protein, while the cranberries and pecans give you that sweet, nutty crunch. The addition of celery and green onions adds a hint of freshness, making this salad light and satisfying. It’s a dish that’s not only quick to make but also perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for several days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Balanced Flavors

This chicken salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements, making every bite interesting and delicious.

2. Quick and Easy

With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, this salad can be prepared in no time, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch or dinner.

3. Versatile

You can enjoy this salad in a variety of ways—whether as a sandwich, wrap, on top of a salad, or served in a bowl by itself.

4. Meal Prep Friendly

This chicken salad is easy to make in advance and can be stored in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping or as a make-ahead dish.

5. Customizable

Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. You can switch out the pecans for another nut or add some fresh fruit for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
Dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
Pecans (chopped)
Celery (1 stalk, diced)
Green onions (2 pieces, chopped)
Mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Honey
Salt
Garlic powder
Black pepper

Variations

Add Fruit: Consider adding sliced grapes, apples, or pears for a sweet twist.
Different Nuts: Substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a different texture and flavor.
Greek Yogurt: Swap out some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
Herbs: Add some fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

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

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, chopped pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onion. Mix them together well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

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

Step 4: Combine the Salad and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly. Be sure all the ingredients are well mixed and coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Serve

You can serve the salad immediately on croissants, fluffy rolls, or simply enjoy it by itself in a bowl. It’s also delicious served on a bed of greens or as a sandwich filling.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chop Ingredients Evenly: To ensure every bite has a little bit of everything, chop the chicken, vegetables, and nuts into similar-sized pieces.
Toasting Pecans: For extra flavor, you can toast the pecans before chopping. Simply heat a pan over medium heat, spray with cooking oil, and toast the pecans for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and gives it an even better taste.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can substitute cooked chicken with store-bought rotisserie chicken.

How to Serve

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it as:

A sandwich: Spread it on croissants, whole wheat bread, or a soft roll for a delicious lunch or dinner option.
A salad: Serve it on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a light and healthy meal.
A dip: Serve it with crackers or vegetable sticks for a snack or appetizer.
On a wrap: For a fresh, quick meal, wrap it in a soft tortilla with some lettuce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once prepared, store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for 3-4 days. Be sure to stir before serving again to reincorporate any separated dressing.

Freezing

Freezing this chicken salad is not recommended due to the mayonnaise and creamy dressing, which may separate when thawed.

Reheating

Since this dish is typically served cold, it doesn’t require reheating. Simply pull it out of the fridge and enjoy it chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover or rotisserie chicken is perfect for this salad and can save you time.

2. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

3. Can I add different fruits to the salad?

Yes, feel free to add apples, grapes, or pears to complement the cranberries for a more fruity salad.

4. How can I make the salad more flavorful?

Add herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme, or spice it up with a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

5. Can I toast the pecans before using them?

Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and crunch. Simply toast them in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes.

6. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts are a great substitute for pecans if you prefer them.

7. How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?

It lasts for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

8. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will develop and improve overnight.

9. Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a combination of sour cream and olive oil.

10. How do I serve this chicken salad?

You can serve it in a sandwich, wrap, on a bed of greens, or as a dip with crackers.

Conclusion

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a picnic, its delightful mix of flavors and textures will have everyone coming back for more. With its versatility and simple ingredients, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab your chicken, chop up those ingredients, and enjoy this deliciously refreshing dish!