Introduction
Tired of your regular salad or looking for a light yet satisfying meal? Whisk up this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. A delightful blend of sweet and savory, it’s a perfect twist to your classic chicken salad and an ideal choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
The Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is your go-to recipe for its simplicity and flavors. It combines the meaty goodness of chicken with the sweet tang of cranberries and the crunchy texture of pecans. With its quick preparation time, this salad is an excellent meal for everyone seeking something nutritious and delicious.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients :
– 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/2 cup celery, chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for extra freshness
Directions :
1. Combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper and optional lemon juice in a different small bowl until smooth.
3. Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Serve over a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or a wrap, or keep it in the refrigerator for later use.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Enjoy this refreshing Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad over a bed of fresh greens, or make it a filling meal with a hearty grain bread sandwich. For a low-carb option, serve it as a wrap inside a tortilla.
How to Store Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Store leftover Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in an airtight container,best consumed within 3-5 days. Before serving, give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing.
Tips to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
For a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, you may use Greek yogurt.
Chop pecans and nutrition-packed celery sufficiently small for easier bites.
Want your chicken salad with a zest? Add a tablespoon of lemon juice just before serving.
Variation (if any)
For a fun twist, switch pecans with walnuts or almonds. You could also add quarters of a ripe apple or some sliced grapes for an additional fruity flavor.
FAQs
1) Can I use roasted chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! This salad is a great way to use leftover roast chicken.
2) What can I substitute for pecans?
You can use any type of nuts like almonds or walnuts in place of pecans.
3) Can I prepare this salad a day ahead?
Yes. You may prepare the ingredients the day before, but mix the dressing and the salad only before serving to keep the crunch intact.
Enjoy this bright and satisfying Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, an effortless yet flavor-packed dish that will keep you coming back for more.