If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a touch of elegance, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender chicken with tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a luscious honey-Dijon dressing, it’s a delightful mix that comes together quickly for a satisfying lunch, light dinner, or an impressive potluck contribution. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and nutty notes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl. From the juicy shredded chicken providing hearty protein, to the chewy cranberries adding a pop of sweetness, every element plays a vital role in creating a colorful and balanced salad.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped: The foundation of the salad, tender and ready to soak up all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add a sweet, tangy burst that brightens every bite.
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped: Crunchy and buttery, pecans bring delightful texture and richness.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped: Crisp and refreshing, celery balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: A little sharpness to add depth without overpowering.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option): This creamy base holds everything together with smoothness and tang.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness to complement the cranberries and smooth out the mustard’s bite.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by gathering your cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion. Toss all of these into a large mixing bowl. This combination immediately shows the blend of textures and flavors at play — tender, crunchy, sweet, and savory coming together effortlessly.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is silky smooth. This is the magic that ties every ingredient together, blending creamy, tangy, and sweet notes into one unified flavor.
Step 3: Mix Dressing and Chicken Mixture
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until every piece is coated. Be gentle so the salad maintains its lovely texture—no one wants a mushy salad!
Step 4: Adjust the Seasoning
Give your salad a taste at this point and feel free to add more salt or pepper according to your palate. This keeps the salad perfectly balanced and personalized.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This wait is worth it — the resting time allows the cranberries to soften slightly, and the dressing flavors to deeply infuse the chicken and veggies.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Once chilled, your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe is ready to be enjoyed. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness and color that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley or finely sliced green onions as a garnish does more than just brighten the salad visually; it imparts a fresh, herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and crunchy components. Plus, it makes for a gorgeous presentation!
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad or fresh fruit. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside warm crusty bread, a bowl of tomato soup, or even wrapped in a soft whole wheat pita for an easy handheld option.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this salad stuffed into ripe avocados, atop toasted crostini, or on a bed of butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. You can also turn it into a delightful sandwich filling with your favorite bread or wraps, making lunch feel special every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, during which the flavors will deepen even more. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients like celery and pecans. For best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh or within the refrigerated storage time.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you want to enjoy it on the cooler side for lunch or dinner, simply take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes beforehand.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! In fact, leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe. Just shred or chop it and you’re ready to create this delicious dish with minimal fuss.
Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise?
Yes, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. It adds protein and tanginess while making this salad lighter without compromising on creaminess or taste.
How can I make this salad nut-free?
If pecans aren’t an option, you can replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch, or simply omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version without losing the salad’s charm.
What types of mustard work best?
Dijon mustard is ideal for its smoothness and subtle kick, but feel free to experiment with yellow mustard for a milder flavor or whole grain mustard for extra texture and rustic appeal.
Can this salad be used as a sandwich filling?
Definitely! This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe makes an incredible sandwich filler, perfect for lunchtime sandwiches, wraps, or even slider rolls for a party appetizer.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful treat that balances sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy components in a way that feels both comforting and fresh. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but elegant enough to serve at gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become one of your go-to salads for any occasion. So grab those ingredients and enjoy creating a dish that truly delights every sense!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. Combining tender cooked chicken with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a creamy honey-Dijon dressing, it offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Easily prepared in just 15 minutes and served chilled, it’s versatile enough for sandwiches, wraps, or as a refreshing salad on its own.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add additional salt and pepper if necessary to suit your preference.
- Chill: Refrigerate the combined salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Serve: Serve the chilled chicken salad on a bed of greens, in sandwiches, wraps, or paired with crackers. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise reduces fat and calories for a healthier option.
- Allowing the salad to chill improves the flavor integration and texture.
- For a crunchier texture, lightly toast the pecans before adding.
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
