Sweet-Tangy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Crisp autumn days call for a delightful cranberry pecan chicken salad that blends sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Tender chunks of chicken mingle with tart dried cranberries and crunchy pecans in this irresistible dish.

Each bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The salad combines fresh ingredients with a light, zesty dressing that brings everything together.

Nutty pecans provide a satisfying crunch while cranberries add a burst of vibrant color and tangy sweetness.

Protein-packed and incredibly versatile, this salad works wonderfully as a light lunch or refreshing dinner option.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering culinary experience.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Features

• Craft Flavor Explosion: Dive into a rich, creamy dish packed with bold Indian spices that dance on your taste buds and create an unforgettable culinary experience.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for beginners, this recipe follows simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just a few minutes, transforming basic ingredients into a mouth-watering dinner that will impress family and friends.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Serve with rice, naan, or enjoy on its own, making it an adaptable meal that suits various preferences and dietary needs with easy customization options.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Chicken Breast: The star protein of the salad, providing a lean and tender base for the dish.

• Dried Cranberries, Pecans: These ingredients add a sweet-tart flavor and satisfying crunch to the chicken salad.

• Celery, Red Onion: These vegetables contribute a crisp texture and sharp, fresh flavor to the salad.

• Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt, Light Mayonnaise: These creamy ingredients create a tangy and smooth dressing base.
• Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice: These condiments add brightness and a zesty flavor to the dressing.

• Salt, Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance and balance the overall flavor of the chicken salad.

• Fresh Parsley, Chives: These herbs provide a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to the finished dish.

Instructions for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Select your favorite chicken breast cooking method like boiling, grilling, or baking. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Let the chicken cool down completely, then shred or dice into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Chop Supporting Ingredients

• Dried cranberries
• Pecans
• Celery
• Red onion

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

• Non-fat Greek yogurt
• Light mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Blend Salad Components

Toss the chicken and chopped ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Ensure even distribution of all elements throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Dress and Mix Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and ingredients.

Gently fold everything together, making sure each piece gets nicely coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the salad and place in the refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes.

This resting time allows flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for added brightness and visual appeal.

Serve chilled as a refreshing meal or side dish.

Tips for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Choose chicken breast with minimal fat for a leaner, healthier protein source that keeps the salad light and nutritious.
• Add pecans just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming soggy in the dressing.
• Cook extra chicken and store in the refrigerator for easy salad assembly throughout the week, saving time on busy days.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy, tangy dressing that's packed with protein.
• Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex flavors.

Creative Variations for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Herb-Infused Chicken Salad: Replace dried cranberries with fresh chopped herbs like basil, tarragon, and chives for a garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Swap pecans for toasted pine nuts, add crumbled feta cheese, and use olive oil with lemon zest instead of mayonnaise.
• Low-Carb Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps: Eliminate cranberries and serve the chicken salad inside crisp lettuce leaves for a carbohydrate-reduced option.
• Vegan Protein Chicken Salad: Use shredded jackfruit or chickpeas instead of chicken, substitute Greek yogurt with cashew cream, and maintain the cranberry and pecan elements.

Pairing Suggestions for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the tangy yogurt dressing and nutty pecan flavors. These light, refreshing wines balance the salad's creamy texture and enhance its delicate taste profile.
• Serve on Rustic Sourdough: Toast thick slices of artisan sourdough bread to create a perfect base for the chicken salad. The bread's slight tanginess and robust crust provide a delightful contrast to the salad's smooth and soft consistency.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to accompany the chicken salad. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will cut through the richness and add a vibrant, refreshing element to the meal.

Storage Guidelines for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Seal the chicken salad in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container at the back of the fridge where temperature remains most consistent.
• Transfer salad to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 1-2 months. Note that Greek yogurt and celery might slightly change texture upon thawing.
• Gently thaw frozen salad in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving to redistribute ingredients. For best taste and texture, consume within 24 hours after thawing.
• If salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a small splash of Greek yogurt or lemon juice to refresh and restore moisture before serving.

FAQs

• Is this chicken salad healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious option with lean protein from chicken, antioxidant-rich cranberries, heart-healthy pecans, and a low-fat dressing made with Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chicken salad can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors develop and blend together more intensely.

• How can I add more protein to this salad?

You can increase protein by adding a handful of sliced almonds, mixing in some hard-boiled eggs, or using a higher protein Greek yogurt in the dressing.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory cranberry pecan chicken salad brings Mediterranean flavors to life with crisp greens and tender chicken. Tangy dried cranberries and crunchy pecans create a delightful balance you’ll crave at every lunch gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1/4 cup diced red onion

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Poach or grill chicken breast at 165°F until thoroughly cooked, ensuring no pink remains in the center. Cool chicken completely before transforming into bite-sized fragments.
2. Dice cooled chicken into uniform pieces, creating consistent texture throughout the salad mixture.
3. Finely chop red onion and celery to provide crisp, delicate crunch against tender chicken pieces.
4. Combine diced chicken, cranberries, and pecans in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Whisk Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice in a separate container until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Season dressing with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
7. Drizzle prepared dressing over salad components, gently folding to coat every morsel without crushing delicate ingredients.
8. Refrigerate salad for minimum 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop complex taste profile.
9. Prior to serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or delicate chive snippets for enhanced visual appeal and subtle herbaceous notes.
10. Serve chilled as a refreshing, protein-packed meal or elegant side dish.

Notes

• Boost protein by using extra Greek yogurt for a creamier, more protein-packed version that supports muscle recovery and keeps you fuller longer.
• Swap mayo with mashed avocado for a heart-healthy alternative that adds rich, creamy texture and provides good monounsaturated fats.
• Create a low-carb option by serving the salad over crisp lettuce leaves instead of bread, reducing overall carbohydrate intake while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by cooking and shredding chicken in advance, storing separately from other ingredients to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg