Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Healthy and Simple Recipe

Looking for a fresh, tasty meal that’s healthy and simple? You’ve found it! My Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings together cooked chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans in a delightful mix. Whether you’re prepping lunch or serving dinner, this recipe is for you. With just a few easy steps, you’ll create a salad that satisfies your hunger and sparks joy. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries

– 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)

– 1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)

– 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)

Dressing Ingredients

– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Serving Ingredients

– Mixed greens or lettuce

To make a tasty cranberry pecan chicken salad, gather these ingredients. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease. I love the sweetness of the dried cranberries mixed with the crunch of the pecans. They add great texture and flavor. The celery and red onion offer a fresh crunch and a bit of bite.

For the dressing, I often choose Greek yogurt. It makes the salad creamy while keeping it light. Honey adds a touch of sweetness. Apple cider vinegar brightens the flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.

If you want to serve it, lay the salad on mixed greens or lettuce. This adds color and freshness to your plate. You can find the full recipe in the main article. Happy cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Combine the chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion in a mixing bowl.

– Prepare the dressing by whisking together yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

To start, take your cooked chicken and chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. Next, toss in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, finely chopped celery, and red onion. This mix gives a nice crunch and sweetness.

For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk your Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Add salt and pepper to your taste. This dressing is creamy and tangy, perfect for our salad.

Mixing and Serving Steps

– Pour dressing over chicken mixture and toss until well coated.

– Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Now, pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Toss everything together gently. You want each piece of chicken and veggie to be coated well. After mixing, taste your salad. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt, pepper, or honey.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve on a bed of mixed greens or as a sandwich filling.

For serving, I suggest laying down a bed of mixed greens. This adds color and freshness. You can also scoop the salad into a sandwich. Use your favorite bread for a quick and tasty lunch. Check out the Full Recipe for more options!

Tips & Tricks

Ingredient Selection

For the best chicken, I suggest using rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. You can also grill chicken breasts for a healthier option. Look for high-quality cranberries. Choose ones that are soft and plump, as they add sweetness and texture. Fresh pecans are key too. They should smell nutty and taste crisp. Avoid old or stale nuts for the best crunch.

Perfecting the Salad

Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For saltiness, a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor. If the dressing feels too thick, stir in a splash of water or vinegar. This helps create the right consistency. Aim for a creamy, yet spreadable dressing that coats all the ingredients well.

Presentation Advice

To make your salad pop, add colorful garnishes. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill look great on top. You can also sprinkle extra pecans for crunch. Use vibrant vegetables like red bell peppers or carrots mixed in. This adds nutrition and makes each bite more exciting. Serve the salad on a large platter for a beautiful display. It will impress your guests and make the meal feel special.

Check out the [Full Recipe](#) to get started on this tasty dish!

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can make this salad your own by switching up a few ingredients. If you want a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. This keeps it creamy but cuts down on calories. You can also try different nuts or fruits. Walnuts add a nice crunch. Sliced apples will give a sweet and crisp bite.

Dietary Needs

If you need a gluten-free option, this salad is perfect. All its ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any added items, like nuts or dressings, are safe too. You can also make this salad vegan. Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt. It keeps the creaminess while being kind to all diets.

Flavor Enhancements

To spice things up, you can add curry powder or chili flakes. These spices will give your salad an exciting twist. Fresh herbs can also boost the flavor. Chopped parsley or dill adds a refreshing taste. This makes each bite more delightful and aromatic.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

The cranberry pecan chicken salad stays fresh in the fridge for about three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. This helps keep the flavors intact and stops odors from other foods.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this chicken salad, but it may change the texture. If you freeze it, use an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid using a microwave to thaw, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

Meal Prep Ideas

To prepare in advance, mix all the salad ingredients except the dressing. Store the dressing separately to keep the salad crisp. Portion the salad into single servings using small containers. This makes it easy to grab and go during busy days.

FAQs

Common Questions

How to make cranberry pecan chicken salad ahead of time?

You can easily prepare this salad ahead of time. Just make the salad and store it in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned chicken. It saves time and is convenient. Just drain and rinse the chicken before adding it to the salad. This works well if you’re in a hurry.

What can I serve with cranberry pecan chicken salad?

This salad is great on its own. You can serve it with mixed greens or in a sandwich. It pairs well with a light soup or some fruit on the side.

Nutritional Information

Approximate calorie count per serving

Each serving has around 350 calories. This makes it a filling yet healthy meal option.

Breakdown of main nutrients

– Protein: 30 grams

– Fats: 15 grams

– Carbohydrates: 25 grams

This balance provides energy and supports a healthy diet.

Adjustments for Allergies

Alternatives for common allergens in the recipe

If you have nut allergies, skip the pecans. You can use sunflower seeds instead. For dairy allergies, replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free option like cashew cream.

Tips for ensuring no cross-contact for allergies

Always wash your hands and tools before cooking. Use separate cutting boards for different ingredients. This helps prevent cross-contact and keeps your food safe.

You learned how to make a tasty cranberry pecan chicken salad. This dish combines chicken, cranberries, and nuts for a delightful mix. I shared tips on ingredient selection, adding flavors, and making it look appealing. You also discovered how to store the salad and variations to fit different diets. Remember, this recipe is simple and versatile. Enjoy making it your own with different flavors and ingredients. It’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. Happy cooking!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Elevate your meal prep with this delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad recipe! Packed with shredded chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, it's quick to prepare in just 15 minutes. Click through to explore how to make this refreshing dish and impress your taste buds today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed greens or lettuce for serving

Instructions

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, chopped celery, and red onion.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until all the ingredients are well coated.

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or honey as necessary.

Serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens or lettuce. Enjoy as a standalone meal or as a sandwich filling!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4