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