Why make this recipe
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that brings together the savory flavor of chicken with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans. It’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a picnic. This salad is not only tasty but also quick and easy to make, making it ideal for busy days or meal prep. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken!
How to make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cranberries, dried
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens for serving
Directions:
- In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and diced red onion.
- Drizzle the mixture with poppy seed dressing and gently combine everything until well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Serve this delightful mix over a refreshing bed of mixed greens.
How to serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Serve your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad on a plate of mixed greens. You can also place it inside a sandwich or in a wrap for a tasty lunch option. It pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or some crusty bread.
How to store Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
To keep your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 2-3 days. If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crispiness of the greens.
Tips to make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Use leftover chicken from your dinner to save time.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like sliced apples or grapes for extra flavor.
- Adjust the amount of poppy seed dressing based on your taste preference.
Variation
You can easily make this salad vegetarian by swapping chicken with chopped tofu or chickpeas. Another tasty variation is to add slices of avocado for creaminess or use a different type of nut, like walnuts.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be quite tart, so it’s better to stick with dried for this recipe, but if you prefer fresh, consider sweetening them a bit before adding.
2. What if I don’t have poppy seed dressing?
You can use a different salad dressing such as vinaigrette or honey mustard as a substitute.
3. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge and makes for a quick lunch option throughout the week. Just remember to store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup cranberries, dried Fresh cranberries can be used if sweetened.
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped Substitute with walnuts for variation.
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped Adds a nice crunch.
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced Adjust according to taste.
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing Can be substituted with vinaigrette or honey mustard.
- Salt and pepper to taste Season based on preference.
- Mixed greens for serving Provides a fresh base.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and diced red onion.
- Drizzle the mixture with poppy seed dressing and gently combine everything until well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Serve this delightful mix over a refreshing bed of mixed greens.