The Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors that offers a refreshing take on a classic dish. This easy-to-make recipe not only highlights the succulent taste of shredded chicken but also brings together the sweet and tangy notes of dried cranberries and honey. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack, this dish serves as a versatile option that can cater to a variety of preferences. With just a handful of ingredients, assembling this chicken salad is a breeze, making it an ideal choice for those busy weeknights.

What makes this Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad stand out is its creamy texture, achieved by mixing mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, which also adds a healthy twist. The convenience of using pre-cooked chicken makes the dish come together in a matter of minutes, making it incredibly appealing for meal prep or quick lunches. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or even as a flavorful topping for crackers, this salad is bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Quick and Easy: Comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
Flavorful: The combination of cranberries, pecans, and a tangy dressing creates a unique flavor profile.
Versatile: Great on its own, in sandwiches, or as a dip.
Healthy: Packed with protein and can be made low-calorie depending on the dressing.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this delectable Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, you’ll want to prepare your kitchen space efficiently. Start by gathering all your ingredients: cooked chicken, dried cranberries, celery, pecans, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Make sure to have a large mixing bowl ready for combining all your elements and a smaller bowl for your dressing. A whisk will come in handy to ensure your dressing is perfectly combined, and a knife and cutting board will be essential for chopping the celery and pecans. A spatula or spoon will allow you to mix everything together without damaging the ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup pecan halves
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Salt and pepper, to taste
Green leaf lettuce, for serving
Bread or croissants, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start off by shredding your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are manageable for mixing and eating. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can quickly roast or poach your chicken to save time. Shredding yields a texture that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables and Nuts

Next up, chop your celery and pecans according to your preference, either finely or coarsely. Celery adds a satisfying crunch while the pecans bring a delightful nuttiness to the dish. You can also toast the pecans lightly for added flavor if desired!

Step 3: Create the Dressing

In a smaller mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and season with salt and pepper. The combination of mayo and yogurt creates a creamy base that is light yet satisfying. Ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Once your chicken, celery, cranberries, and pecans are prepped, transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Pour your creamy dressing over the top, and gently toss everything together until every piece is covered in the luscious dressing. Remember, you want to be gentle here to maintain the integrity of the chicken and nuts.

Step 5: Chill to Enhance Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture of your chicken salad.

Variations

Protein: Swap chicken for turkey or use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
Vegetables: Add diced apples for sweetness or chopped red onion for an extra crunch.
Spices: Experiment with dill or curry powder for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of honey according to your taste preference.
If you find the salad too dry, a splash more of mayonnaise or yogurt can enhance creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the salad over green leaf lettuce for a fresh presentation.
Use it as a filling for rolls or croissants for a delicious lunch option.

Tips

For optimal flavor, let the salad chill for longer than the recommended 30 minutes if time allows.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for an extra zing!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 450mg

FAQs

Can this chicken salad be made in advance?

Yes, this creamy chicken salad is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors improve after a day in the fridge.

What kind of bread is best for serving?

Opt for whole grain, sourdough, or croissants for a delightful pairing with the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! As long as you pair it with gluten-free bread or serve it in lettuce wraps, it’s a great gluten-free option.

Can I freeze this chicken salad?

It’s best not to freeze this salad as the creamy texture could change upon thawing.

Conclusion

The Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is an easy, versatile dish that can seamlessly fit into any meal plan. Whether you choose to enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, every bite bursts with flavor and texture that you simply won’t want to miss. Feel free to experiment with different variations and make it your own; this dish invites creativity! If you try it out, we’d love to hear how you made it unique in the comments below or share this recipe with your friends and family. The creamy, tangy sweetness of this chicken salad will surely win hearts (and stomachs) wherever you serve it!