why make this recipe
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a fantastic meal option that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. It combines tender shredded chicken with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a delightful blend of textures. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great choice for a light lunch, a picnic, or a quick dinner. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in no time!
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
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is best served fresh. Place a generous scoop of the salad atop a bed of mixed greens for a beautiful and vibrant presentation. You can also serve it in a wrap or on a sandwich for a satisfying meal. Add some extra cranberries or nuts for a lovely finishing touch.
how to store Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Keep the mixed greens separate until you’re ready to serve, to keep them crisp and fresh.
tips to make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor, but rotisserie chicken can also work well.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of poppy seed dressing to your liking; some prefer it lighter, while others enjoy a creamier texture.
- For added crunch, consider mixing in some chopped apples or sliced grapes.
variation
You can easily modify this salad by adding other ingredients like sliced almonds, chopped apples, or even some feta cheese for extra flavor. If you prefer a different dressing, try using a honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette instead of the poppy seed dressing.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Leftover turkey is a great substitute and adds a similar flavor profile.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this salad are gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just remember to store it without the mixed greens and add them right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken can be used
- 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 Adjust quantity to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens for serving Keep separate until ready to serve
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.