Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

$This salad brings together simple, tasty ingredients that create a perfect mix. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup pecans, chopped - 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish These ingredients blend well. The chicken gives protein, while cranberries add a sweet bite. Pecans add crunch. Celery and red onion bring freshness and flavor. To make your salad even better, consider these garnishes: - Sliced almonds - Chopped green onions - Extra dried cranberries - Lemon wedges These add color and a pop of taste. They make each bite more exciting. Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are some swaps: - Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. - Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayonnaise if desired. - Replace pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds for a different crunch. - Try fresh herbs like dill or cilantro instead of parsley for a new flavor. These substitutions let you customize the salad to your taste. Have fun with it! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to mix the chicken and other tasty bits. Take 2 cups of cooked chicken breast and dice it into small pieces. Then, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet touch. Next, chop 1/2 cup of pecans to add some crunch. Don’t forget to finely chop 1/4 cup of celery and 1/4 cup of red onion. Toss all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl. This mix is where the flavor begins! Now, let’s whip up the yogurt dressing. In a separate bowl, take 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt. Add 2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a bit of tang. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Use a whisk to blend everything until it’s smooth. This dressing will bring everything together. Pour the yogurt dressing over your chicken mixture. Gently fold the dressing into the chicken mix until every piece is coated. Taste it and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or honey. Once you’re happy with the flavor, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. This waiting time allows all the flavors to blend. When you're ready to serve, give it a gentle stir. Serve it on a bed of greens or in whole grain wraps. Garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely touch! To make a great dressing, you need balance. Start with Greek yogurt for creaminess. Add honey for sweetness. Use Dijon mustard for a slight kick. Apple cider vinegar brings tang. Mix these in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Taste your dressing. Adjust it with more salt, pepper, or honey if you want. This will give your salad the right flavor. For the chicken, always cook it well. You can grill, bake, or poach it. Grilling adds a nice smoky taste. Baking keeps it juicy. Poaching makes it tender and moist. Make sure it reaches 165°F for safety. Let it rest before dicing. This keeps the juices inside. Diced chicken should be bite-sized for easy eating. To store leftover salad, use an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. The salad lasts for three days. If you notice any off-smells or colors, throw it away. If you want to keep it longer, store the dressing separately. This will keep everything fresh. When ready to eat, mix it all together again. Pro Tips Chicken Selection: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience. Sweetness Balance: Adjust the honey quantity based on the tartness of your cranberries. Chilling Time: Allowing the salad to chill for longer than an hour enhances the overall flavors. Serving Suggestions: Serve the salad on a bed of arugula for a peppery twist. {{image_2}} You can make your cranberry pecan chicken salad even better by adding fruits or veggies. Try adding diced apples for a sweet crunch. You can also add grapes for a juicy burst. If you want some greens, toss in spinach or arugula. Carrots add color and a nice crunch too. Each addition brings new flavors and textures, making every bite exciting. If you want to switch up the protein, there are great choices. You can use turkey instead of chicken for a different taste. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu. Both options add protein and work well with the salad. You can also use canned tuna or salmon for a quick and easy swap. Each option keeps the salad nutritious and filling. The dressing can change the whole feel of your salad. You can try a vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice for a zesty twist. A creamy avocado dressing offers a rich flavor that pairs well with the nuts. For a spicy kick, mix in sriracha or a dash of hot sauce. You can even use a store-bought dressing if you are short on time. Each dressing option allows you to customize your salad to fit your taste. To keep your cranberry pecan chicken salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. It stays good for up to three days. Always cover the bowl tightly. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can freeze the chicken salad, but it's best to avoid it. Freezing can change the texture of the ingredients. If you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It lasts up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Check your salad before eating it. If it smells sour or looks slimy, it’s time to toss it. Fresh ingredients are key to a tasty dish. Always trust your senses. If you see any mold, discard it immediately. You can replace yogurt with mashed avocado. It adds creaminess and healthy fats. Another option is to mix mayonnaise with a little lemon juice for brightness. This keeps the salad rich and tasty. Yes, rotisserie chicken works great! It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This shortcut still gives you a delicious meal. I recommend a side of mixed greens. They add freshness and crunch. You can also serve it with carrot sticks or cucumber slices. These are crunchy and low in calories. Quinoa or brown rice can be good too, adding fiber and nutrients. In this post, we covered how to make a tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. We explored the key ingredients, optional garnishes, and smart swaps. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing the ingredients, making the yogurt dressing, and chilling the salad. We also shared tips for perfecting your dressing and storing leftovers. Feel free to get creative with variations and enjoy this dish today! Your culinary skills will thrive, and the flavors will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking!$

A delicious and healthy chicken salad with cranberries and pecans, perfect for a light meal.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
0.5 cup dried cranberries
0.5 cup pecans, chopped
0.25 cup celery, finely chopped
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken breast, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold to combine until everything is well coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey if needed.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Serve it on a bed of greens or in whole grain wraps.
Garnish with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Refrigerate for at least one hour to enhance flavor.

Keyword chicken salad, cranberry, healthy, pecan