This chicken salad is a delightful mix of juicy chicken, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner!
I love how the sweet and nutty flavors come together, making every bite a treat. Serve it on bread or with crackers—your choice! It’s that easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken for convenience. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas work well as a substitute!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the salad. If you’re watching calories, consider using reduced-fat mayo or Greek yogurt. I often mix both for a nice balance of flavor and texture.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a sweet-tart flavor. If you don’t have cranberries, raisins or chopped apples are great alternatives for a similar sweetness.
Pecans: These add a lovely crunch. If you’re allergic to nuts, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. They give a nice texture without the nutty flavor.
Celery: For crunch and freshness, use diced celery. If you fancy something different, diced apples or bell peppers can add a unique twist!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Your Chicken Salad?
Building flavor is key to a delicious chicken salad. Start with a solid dressing base that combines mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, and mustard. The lemon juice adds brightness, while mustard enhances depth. Here’s how:
- Mix the dressing well—this is where the flavor begins! The Greek yogurt adds creaminess, so don’t skip it if you want a rich texture.
- Gently fold the chicken and add-ins into the dressing without overmixing. You want to keep a nice chunkiness.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and improve.
Serving the salad on crisp lettuce or in a croissant really elevates the experience, adding freshness and a buttery taste. Enjoy!
Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lettuce leaves or croissants, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. Altogether, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dressing:
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if you’re using it), lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together well until you have a smooth dressing. This will be the base for your salad!
2. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Next, add the chopped cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the bowl. These ingredients will bring texture and flavor to your salad.
3. Fold It All Together:
Gently fold the chicken and other ingredients into the dressing. Be careful not to overmix; you want all the ingredients to be nicely coated without breaking them down too much.
4. Season It Up:
Now, it’s time to season your chicken salad! Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want it creamier, feel free to add a bit more mayonnaise or yogurt.
5. Chill for Best Flavor:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors blend together beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your cranberry pecan chicken salad is ready to be served! You can enjoy it on fresh lettuce leaves, in a croissant sandwich, or alongside your favorite crackers. Dig in and enjoy the deliciousness!
FAQ for Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Can I Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking My Own Chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavorful seasoning to your salad. Just make sure to remove any skin if desired before adding it to the recipe.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving it again, as the ingredients can settle over time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving. This chilling time also allows the flavors to develop even more!
What Are Some Alternatives to Pecans?
If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer not to use them, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent alternatives. They add similar crunch without the nutty flavor. You could also add more dried fruit for a sweet contrast!
