Refreshing Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad You’ll Love All Year

Cranberry pecan chicken salad bursts with a delightful combination of flavors and textures that elevate a classic dish.

This vibrant culinary creation blends tender chicken with sweet and tart cranberries, adding a sophisticated twist to traditional salad recipes.

The nutty crunch of pecans provides a delectable contrast to the soft, juicy chicken pieces that form the salad’s hearty base.

Creamy dressings and fresh ingredients complement the main components, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts appreciate the versatility of this salad, which can serve as a light lunch or an impressive side dish for gatherings.

Seasonal ingredients and simple preparation techniques make this chicken salad a go-to recipe for those seeking a delicious and nutritious meal option.

Why Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Is Sweet And Savory

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delightful chicken salad in just minutes with simple ingredients and minimal cooking required.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a sandwich filling, wrap, or atop crisp lettuce for a light lunch or dinner that adapts to your mood.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tender chicken with a zesty dressing that creates a perfect balance of tastes and textures.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and chill for enhanced flavors, making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, or quick weekday lunches.

What Goes Into Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that forms the base of the salad, preferably shredded or diced.

• Pecans, Cranberries: Crunchy nuts and sweet-tart dried fruit that add texture and flavor contrast to the chicken.

• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that provides a light, sharp note to the salad.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the salad ingredients together.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance overall flavor.

How To Toss Together Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Prepare Zesty Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in some salt and black pepper, blending until smooth and creamy. The dressing should have a tangy yet slightly sweet consistency that will make your taste buds dance.

• Chop Fresh Ingredients

Using a sharp knife, slice green onions into thin rings. Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, it will add extra flavor and save you cooking time.

• Toast Crunchy Pecans

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toast them gently, stirring constantly to prevent burning. They’re ready when they release a warm, nutty aroma and turn a golden brown color. This step enhances their natural richness and adds a delightful crunch.

• Mix Salad Components

• Shredded chicken
• Toasted pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped green onions
• Drench with Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each morsel gets coated with the creamy mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

• Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce or as a sandwich filling. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory!

Tips To Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Even Better

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty richness and create a more complex taste profile.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with rotisserie, grilled turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for versatile meal adaptations.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Make dressing and chop ingredients separately, storing them in sealed containers to streamline last-minute assembly and maintain freshness.
• Texture Enhancement Trick: Roughly chop pecans for better distribution and ensure every bite contains a delightful crunch throughout the salad.
• Dietary Modification Hack: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories and increase protein content while maintaining creamy consistency.

How To Store And Reheat Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Separate Dressing: Keep dressing separate from salad ingredients to prevent soggy texture and preserve crispness.
• Quick Reheat: Gently warm at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors and restore texture.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this salad, as mayo-based dressings and fresh ingredients will separate and lose quality when thawed.

Best Matches For Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the salad's tangy cranberries and rich pecans with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the creamy dressing.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Enhance the meal with a rustic sourdough or whole grain baguette, perfect for soaking up extra dressing and adding textural contrast.
• Add Sparkling Elderflower Spritzer: Create a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage that mirrors the salad's bright flavors, with a light and effervescent touch that cleanses the palate.
• Match with Butter Lettuce Bed: Present the chicken salad atop delicate butter lettuce leaves, providing a fresh, crisp foundation that elevates the entire dish's presentation and taste.

Ways To Customize Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace bread or greens with large lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious alternative, perfect for keto dieters.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas to create a plant-based protein option that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Greek Yogurt Lighter Dressing: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add a tangy, protein-rich base for health-conscious eaters.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the crunchy texture without compromising taste.

Common Questions About Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• What type of chicken works best for this salad?

Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken are perfect. Shredded or cubed chicken provides the best texture and absorbs dressing well.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add hard-boiled eggs, additional chopped nuts, or mix in some crumbled feta cheese to boost protein content and enhance flavor profile.

• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness of ingredients.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have pecans?

Definitely. Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds work great as alternative nut options and provide similar crunch and nutritional value.

Delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Luscious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad blends sweet and savory notes with tender chicken and crisp pecans. Balanced textures and rich flavors create a delightful meal that satisfies your craving for a refreshing yet hearty lunch.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (approximately 2 breasts)

Nuts and Fruits:

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 4 green onions, chopped

Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons honey (softened)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the tangy dressing by thoroughly whisking together all liquid and seasoning components until smooth and well-blended.
2. Carefully dice the cooked chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture throughout the salad.
3. Toast the pecan pieces in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing their rich, nutty essence.
4. In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine the chopped chicken, toasted pecans, vibrant dried cranberries, and thinly sliced green onions.
5. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, using a delicate folding motion to coat every element without crushing the delicate components.
6. Taste and refine the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt or additional dressing as needed to balance the flavors.
7. For optimal taste development, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and the flavors to intensify.
8. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure each bite is perfectly seasoned.

Notes

• Chop chicken evenly to ensure uniform texture and consistent flavor absorption throughout the salad.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra moisture and flavor to the salad.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that reduces calories while maintaining creamy

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg