Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, perfect for busy weeknights or as a refreshing lunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Tender and savory, the chicken serves as the heart of this salad.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries These little gems add a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture elevate the dish beautifully.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced This adds a refreshing, crisp bite.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced Providing a hint of sharpness, red onion balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise This creamy base binds all the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt Adding a tangy twist and a hint of creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard An essential ingredient for a bit of zest.
- 1 tablespoon honey This natural sweetener enhances the flavor profile deliciously.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice Brightening the salad with a touch of acidity.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for rounding out the flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook and shred or dice your chicken. This can be done in advance for a quicker assembly. Store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully, saving you time and effort.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 5 minutes or until fragrant. Remove them from heat and let them cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, diced celery, and diced red onion. Toss everything together gently to combine.
Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is well-coated with the creamy mixture.
Chilling
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, give it another gentle toss and enjoy!
Notes
For a marvelous twist, consider incorporating some chopped apples or grapes, adding spinach or kale for nutrition, or using candied pecans for warmth.