Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is an excellent dish for those looking for a healthy, delicious meal. It’s not only packed with flavor but also offers a mix of textures. The sweetness of dried cranberries balances well with the crunch of pecans and fresh veggies. This salad is easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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 the salad immediately after making it for the best flavor. It’s great as a light lunch or dinner. You can also serve it in a sandwich or wrap using your favorite bread or lettuce leaves, allowing for a tasty and portable meal.
How to Store Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
If you have leftovers, store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days. When ready to eat, you may want to add a little more dressing if it seems dry.
Tips to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preference; you can add apples or grapes for extra sweetness.
- Make sure to toss the salad gently to keep the chicken pieces intact.
Variation
For a lighter version, substitute the poppy seed dressing with Greek yogurt or vinaigrette. You can also add avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are much tartar, so they are not commonly used in this salad. Dried cranberries are sweeter and work better in this recipe.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this chicken salad are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the dressing you use is also gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time, but it’s best to wait until serving to mix in the dressing to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup cranberries, dried Dried cranberries are sweeter than fresh.
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing Can be substituted with Greek yogurt or vinaigrette for a lighter version.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens for serving Use your choice of greens.
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 immediately.