Are you ready to take your salad game to the next level? This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is one of those recipes that makes you go, “Wow, I didn’t know a salad could taste this good!” It’s got everything you want—crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and tender chicken—all tossed together with a creamy dressing that makes every bite a little piece of heaven. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for your next gathering, this salad will steal the spotlight. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile:
This salad can be a stand-alone meal or a perfect side to any main dish. You can also serve it in wraps or on top of greens for a fresh twist.
Budget-Friendly:
Simple ingredients that you can find in almost any pantry, making it perfect for when you want something delicious without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy:
No complicated steps or long cooking times—just throw everything together and enjoy!
Customizable:
Love some extra crunch? Add more pecans. Want a bit more sweetness? Throw in some extra cranberries. This salad is your canvas to play with.
Crowd-Pleasing:
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this salad—it’s made with just a few ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Chicken:
The star of the show. Tender, juicy chicken breast or rotisserie chicken brings a savory base to the dish that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cranberries.
Pecans:
These crunchy, nutty beauties add texture and depth to the salad. Toasting them a little enhances their flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra step!
Cranberries:
A burst of sweetness and a pop of color! Dried cranberries add a tart contrast that balances the richness of the chicken and pecans.
Greens:
Feel free to use whatever greens you love—arugula, spinach, or even mixed greens work wonderfully to provide a fresh base.
Dressing:
A creamy dressing brings it all together—think mayo or Greek yogurt with a splash of lemon juice, honey, and a bit of Dijon mustard for a tangy twist. It’s simple, but so effective!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, pecans, cranberries, and greens. Toss until everything is evenly distributed.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo (or Greek yogurt), honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed—maybe a bit more honey if you want it sweeter or more mustard for a tangy kick.
Assemble the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently until it’s all beautifully coated.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately, or chill for a few hours for the flavors to marinate together. This salad is just as delightful fresh or after sitting in the fridge for a while.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening for a cozy, filling meal.
- Try it on a wrap with some extra greens for a light lunch.
- Pair it with crispy sweet potato fries for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make it ahead: This salad holds up really well in the fridge, so feel free to prep it in advance.
- Add a cheese boost: Try adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nuts galore: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives!
FAQ’s
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe? Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! It holds up well in the fridge for a few hours, and the flavors get even better as they meld.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Fresh cranberries can work, but they will add more tartness. You might want to sweeten them up with a little sugar or honey.
What can I substitute for mayo in the dressing? Greek yogurt or sour cream are excellent substitutes for a lighter, tangy dressing.
Can I make this salad vegan? Sure! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use a plant-based dressing for a vegan-friendly option.
How long will this salad last in the fridge? It should last for up to 2 days in the fridge. The pecans might get a little soft, but the flavors will still be great!
Can I freeze this salad? This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but the chicken and dressing can be frozen separately if you want to prep ahead.
How do I make this salad spicier? Add a bit of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the dressing for a spicy kick.
What greens should I use? Any greens you prefer! Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens are all great options.
Can I add other fruits to the salad? Absolutely! Sliced apples, pears, or even orange segments would be a great addition.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a true showstopper. It’s got everything you crave—crunch, sweetness, and heartiness—all wrapped up in a light, refreshing dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, it’s the perfect go-to recipe when you want something satisfying without the fuss. So go ahead—give it a try and let me know what you think. I’m pretty sure it’s going to become one of your favorites!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (unless toasting the pecans)
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and light chicken salad with the perfect balance of sweet and savory! Packed with tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries, it’s perfect for lunch or a refreshing dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted, optional)
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve on a bed of greens, as a sandwich filling, or with crackers.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped apples or grapes.
- You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg