If you’re on the hunt for a chicken salad that’s anything but ordinary, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy. This dish brings together tender cooked chicken, chewy cranberries, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and a creamy, tangy dressing—all in one harmonious bowl. The play of textures and flavors, from the pop of sweetness to the subtle savory notes, guarantees each bite is positively crave-worthy. Whether you’re tucking it into a croissant or piling it onto greens, this salad’s vibrant colors and flavors will brighten up any meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a small handful of everyday ingredients, but each one brings something special to the party. From the rich crunch of pecans to the zing of Dijon and the pop of cranberries, these components combine for a perfectly balanced, unforgettable salad.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or poach your own for maximum tenderness.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): These little bursts of sweetness are what make this Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy absolutely sing.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add even more crunch.
- Celery, finely chopped (1/2 cup): This brings a cool, refreshing crispness to every bite.
- Red onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Adds a pop of color and just the right hint of sharpness.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Gives the dressing its creamy base—substitute half for Greek yogurt to lighten things up.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Balances the sweetness and brings a little zip to the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Cuts through the richness with bright, tangy acidity.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Just a touch for that perfect sweet-savory balance.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season generously so every flavor stands out.
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a burst of color and a subtle herbal finish.
How to Make Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Set yourself up for success by having all the ingredients prepped and within arm’s reach. Shred or chop the cooked chicken, measure out your cranberries and pecans, and finely chop the celery and red onion. This will make the assembly a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion. Give everything a good toss so each ingredient is well distributed. It’s this perfectly balanced mixture that puts the “sweet & crunchy” in Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until the dressing is silky and smooth, with no lumps or streaks—this is where all the creamy-tangy magic happens!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the dressing all over your chicken mixture. Using a sturdy spatula or big spoon, fold everything together until every bite is coated in that luscious dressing. Make sure all the nooks and crannies get some love!
Step 5: Chill and Marry the Flavors
Transfer your salad to the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, this step allows all the flavors to meld and deepen into something truly special—don’t skip it! That extra time takes your Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy from good to unforgettable.
How to Serve Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy
Garnishes
Top your salad with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a few extra cranberries or pecans for restaurant-worthy flair. The green parsley not only looks beautiful but adds a flash of freshness that balances the salad’s richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this vibrant salad with buttery croissants, crusty sourdough, or fluffy dinner rolls for an unbeatable lunch or light dinner. For a feel-good, balanced meal, serve it with a side of mixed greens or a bowl of fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine! Scooping the Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy into crisp lettuce cups makes for a light, elegant appetizer. Pile it high on toast minis for a brunch platter, or stuff it into hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers for an impressive, make-ahead presentation at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover salad tightly and tuck it into the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, and you’ll love how easy it is to pull out for impromptu lunches or snacks.
Freezing
While the dressing’s creamy texture doesn’t hold up well to freezing, you can freeze the chicken, cranberries, and pecans mixture (without dressing) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, then add the fresh dressing just before serving for the best consistency.
Reheating
Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy is at its best served chilled or at room temperature. No need to reheat—just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a talented time-saver here, giving the salad a rich flavor and moist texture without any extra effort on your part.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If pecans aren’t your thing, swap them for toasted walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds. Each will add a unique dimension of crunch and flavor.
Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?
Definitely—just make sure to use a dairy-free mayonnaise and skip substituting with Greek yogurt. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free, so you’re all set!
Can I prep this salad ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare and refrigerate the salad a day in advance. For peak freshness, wait to add any garnishes until just before serving. Your guests will love the flavors coming together.
What bread is best for sandwiches?
Soft, buttery croissants are my personal favorite for this Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy, but it’s also fantastic on brioche buns, sourdough slices, or tucked into whole wheat wraps for a hearty, portable lunch.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of this Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy is a joyful celebration of bold colors, pleasing textures, and flavors that truly pop. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how you like to serve yours and prepare to have a new favorite for gatherings, lunches, and any time you’re craving something unforgettable!
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Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of sweet and crunchy flavors that make it a perfect lunch option. Tender chicken, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing come together to create a delicious salad that can be served in various ways.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve on croissants, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Toasting the pecans adds extra depth of flavor.
- This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
