Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Fresh and Tasty Recipe

Looking for a fresh and tasty dish that’s easy to make? This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is just what you need! Bursting with flavor and crunch, it makes a perfect lunch or dinner. Whether you want a quick meal or a dish for a gathering, I’ll guide you step-by-step. Join me and discover how to make this delightful salad, along with handy tips and creative variations!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

For this tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, you will need:

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries

– 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

– 1/2 cup celery, diced

– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Substitutions

You can change some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas:

– Use rotisserie chicken if you want to save time.

– Swap dried cranberries for raisins or cherries for a different taste.

– Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

– Use red bell pepper instead of red onion for a milder flavor.

– Choose low-fat yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for fewer calories.

– For a vegan option, use plant-based yogurt and mayo.

Nutritional Information

This chicken salad is both filling and nutritious. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:

– Calories: About 350

– Protein: 30g

– Carbohydrates: 20g

– Fat: 18g

– Fiber: 3g

– Sugar: 6g

This salad packs a punch with flavors and nutrients, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken and Vegetables

Start with a large bowl. Add 2 cups of cooked chicken. You can shred it or dice it. Then, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Next, toss in 1/2 cup of roughly chopped pecans. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion and 1/2 cup of diced celery. Use a spoon to mix these ingredients well. Make sure everything is evenly spread in the bowl.

Making the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, combine 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt. Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise for creaminess. Next, stir in 1 tablespoon of honey for sweetness. Then, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well mixed.

Combining the Salad

Now, slowly pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to fold the dressing in gently. Make sure every piece of chicken and vegetable gets coated. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep some texture. Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Just before serving, stir the salad gently again. If you want, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch.

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect the Dressing

To get the best dressing, use fresh ingredients. Combine plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for creaminess. Add honey for sweetness and apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Mix well until smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. This dressing ties the salad together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad on a bed of mixed greens. This adds color and crunch. You can also put it in individual bowls for a nice touch. Drizzle a little extra honey on top for added sweetness. For a crunchy bite, add more pecans just before serving.

Storage Recommendations

Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, avoid mixing in the dressing until ready to serve. This way, the ingredients stay crisp and tasty.

Variations

Adding Fruits and Nuts

You can add more fruits and nuts to your salad. Consider using apples for crunch. They add sweetness and freshness. You can also try adding grapes or mandarin oranges. These fruits will make the salad even more colorful. For nuts, walnuts or sliced almonds are great choices. They offer a different texture and flavor. You can mix and match based on what you like.

Alternative Proteins

If you want to switch up the protein, use turkey or tofu. Shredded turkey works well, especially after a holiday. Tofu is a tasty option for a vegetarian choice. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove extra water. This helps it soak up flavors better. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick option.

Different Dressing Options

The dressing can change the salad’s whole vibe. You can try a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a fresh taste. A ranch dressing can add a creamy and herby flavor. You can even use a spicy chipotle dressing for a kick. Just remember to mix the dressing well before adding it to the salad. Each dressing gives you a new experience with every bite.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store any leftover Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, place it in a covered bowl. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents it from drying out. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will last about three days. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it’s best to toss it.

Freezing the Salad

I do not recommend freezing this salad. The texture will change when you thaw it. The chicken might become watery, and the veggies could turn mushy. If you want to save time, prepare the chicken and dressing separately. You can freeze those and mix them later.

Best Storage Containers

For storing the salad, choose airtight containers. Glass containers work well, as they do not stain and are easy to clean. Plastic containers are also fine as long as they seal tightly. Always label your containers with the date to track freshness.

FAQs

Can I make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Making this salad ahead of time is a great idea. It tastes even better after the flavors mix. I suggest making it the night before. Just keep it covered in the fridge. This way, you save time for your meal.

Is this salad healthy?

Yes, this salad is healthy. It has good protein from the chicken. The cranberries add fiber and vitamins. Pecans give you healthy fats. Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium. You can adjust the dressing to make it lighter if you want.

What can I serve with Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?

You can serve this salad with many sides. Here are some ideas:

– Mixed greens or a simple green salad

– Whole grain bread or toast

– Fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes

– A light soup, like tomato or vegetable

These choices make a balanced meal. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings!

This blog post covered all you need for a tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. We discussed the key ingredients and how to swap them, along with their nutrition facts. I shared easy steps for prep, making the dressing, and mixing the salad. Plus, I provided tips for the best dressing and storage. You can also explore fun variations with fruits, nuts, and proteins.

This recipe is simple and good for you. Enjoy your cooking adventur