Name: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken (breast or thigh, shredded or diced); 1/2 cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped); 1/2 cup pecans (chopped); 1 stalk celery (diced); 2 green onions (chopped (or 1/4 cup diced red onion)); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp honey; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Brighten your meals with a creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, a delightful blend of tender chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery, all tossed in a tangy dressing. This refreshing summer recipe is perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or party platters, using leftover or rotisserie chicken for ease. Versatile and flavorful, this dish stands out among Chicken Salads for its balanced taste and simplicity. Whip up this Cranberry Chicken Salad for a delicious, crowd-pleasing option that’s ideal for warm-weather dining!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This dish is a gem among Chicken Salads, offering a perfect mix of convenience and flavor. Here’s why it’s a summer must-have:

Great for Leftovers: Turns leftover or rotisserie chicken into a tasty meal with minimal effort.
Versatile Serving Options: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer in this summer recipe.
Quick to Prepare: Comes together fast with just a few ingredients for a flavorful salad.
Delightful Flavors: Combines sweet cranberries, nutty pecans, and a creamy dressing for a balanced bite.
Perfect for Prepping: Make ahead for easy meals or entertaining with this Cranberry Chicken Salad.

What Makes This Chicken Salad Special?

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad turns a classic chicken salad into a vibrant summer recipe with its unique blend of textures and flavors. The sweet-tart cranberries add a burst of fruitiness, while crunchy pecans and celery provide a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken. A creamy, slightly tangy dressing ties it all together, making this Cranberry Chicken Salad perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a standalone dish. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to for casual lunches, summer gatherings, or meal prep, standing out among Chicken Salads for its fresh, crowd-pleasing appeal.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

To make this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad (serves 4-6), gather these ingredients:

For the Salad:

3 cups cooked chicken (boneless, skinless breast or thigh, shredded or diced)
1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1 stalk celery, diced
2 green onions, chopped (or 1/4 cup diced red onion)

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Use leftover roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken for quick prep in this Cranberry Chicken Salad.
Cranberries: Chopped dried cranberries add a sweet-tart bite; ensure they’re plump for the best flavor in this summer recipe.
Pecans: Toast lightly for extra nuttiness in these Chicken Salads.
Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo creates a creamy dressing; Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute for this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed adds brightness to balance the sweetness in this Cranberry Chicken Salad.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Follow these steps to create a delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad:

Prep the Ingredients: Chop 3 cups cooked chicken, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup pecans, 1 celery stalk, and 2 green onions into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and green onions. Toss gently to mix evenly for this Cranberry Chicken Salad.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
Combine and Coat: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently with a spoon until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Serve: Scoop the salad into bowls, pile onto croissants, or serve in lettuce cups for a refreshing summer recipe. Garnish with extra cranberries or pecans if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: ~350 per serving (based on 6 servings)
Servings: 4-6

Macros per Serving: 20g carbs, 18g protein, 25g fat, 2g fiber

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Use Cold Chicken: Chilled, cooked chicken holds its texture better in this Cranberry Chicken Salad.
Chop Evenly: Small, uniform pieces ensure a balanced bite in these Chicken Salads.
Taste the Dressing: Adjust honey or lemon juice for your preferred sweet-tangy balance in this summer recipe.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to meld flavors for this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.
Toast Pecans: Lightly toasting enhances their crunch and flavor in this Cranberry Chicken Salad.

Creative Variations for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Customize this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with these ideas:

Different Nuts: Swap pecans for almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a new twist on Chicken Salads.
Fruit Swap: Replace cranberries with diced apples or halved grapes for a fresh Cranberry Chicken Salad variation.
Lightened Up: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter summer recipe.
Wrap It Up: Serve in a tortilla or lettuce wrap for a portable Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.
Herb Boost: Add fresh dill or parsley for an aromatic touch to these Chicken Salads.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a versatile summer recipe that shines with creative serving options. Try these suggestions:

Pile onto a buttery croissant with lettuce for a classic sandwich experience.
Serve with iced tea or sparkling water for a light, summery meal alongside this Cranberry Chicken Salad.
Present in lettuce cups for a low-carb, elegant appetizer at gatherings.
Offer at potlucks with pita chips or crackers for a shareable dish among Chicken Salads.
Garnish with fresh herbs or a few extra cranberries for a colorful, inviting presentation.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Avoid Freezing: The creamy dressing and vegetables don’t freeze well in this salad.
Prep Ahead: Make the night before for quick lunches or party prep with this summer recipe.
Stir Before Serving: Gently mix to redistribute the dressing for consistent flavor.
Best Fresh: Enjoy within 1-2 days for the best texture and taste in this Cranberry Chicken Salad.

FAQs About Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this summer recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a quick, flavorful option for this salad.

How long do Chicken Salads last?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Cranberry Chicken Salad?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy dressing’s texture.

What’s a good substitute for mayonnaise in Chicken Salads?
Greek yogurt or mashed avocado offers a lighter alternative.

Can I use fresh cranberries in this summer recipe?
Dried cranberries are better for sweetness; fresh ones are too tart.

What bread pairs well with Cranberry Chicken Salad?
Croissants, whole-grain bread, or ciabatta make great sandwiches.

Can I add other fruits to Chicken Salads?
Diced apples or grapes add a sweet crunch to this dish.

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Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful summer recipe that’s perfect for quick meals or entertaining. With its sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, it’s a standout among Chicken Salads. Mix it up today and enjoy the fresh, delicious goodness of this Cranberry Chicken Salad!