Delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Indulge in the delightful mix of flavors and textures with this scrumptious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. A harmonious blend of sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tender chicken, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. The poppy seed dressing adds a creamy and tangy note that ties everything together beautifully.

Crafted with love and nostalgia, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a timeless classic that brings back cherished memories of sunny picnics and family gatherings. The crunch of pecans in every bite adds a satisfying texture that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it on a bed of greens, sandwiched between slices of sourdough, or wrapped in a tortilla, this versatile salad is perfect for any occasion.

Prepare a batch of this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad ahead of time and savor its delicious flavors for up to three days. With simple swaps like using walnuts or almonds, or opting for a dairy-free version, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Embrace the tradition of chicken salad with a modern twist, and let this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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Quick Benefits

Convenient and Versatile: Perfect for a quick lunch, picnics, brunches, or potlucks.
Nutrient-Rich: Provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants from pecans and cranberries.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with ingredient swaps for different dietary preferences or flavor variations.
Memorable and Nostalgic: Evokes fond memories and shared moments, making it a heartwarming dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe Recipe

Perfect Blend of Flavors: The sweet-tart cranberries, creamy dressing, and crunchy pecans create a harmonious combination that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe based on your preferences. Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, use Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or try different dried fruits like cherries or apricots.
Convenient Meal Prep: With cooked chicken as the base, this salad comes together quickly. It’s perfect for meal prepping lunches or bringing to picnics and potlucks.
Nostalgic Value: The recipe comes with heartwarming memories, making it more than just a dish. It brings back memories of family moments and shared laughter, adding an emotional touch to your meal.
A Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Chicken salad with nuts and dried fruit has stood the test of time for a reason. This modern twist on a classic recipe is loved by all ages and is sure to be a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients for Delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Dressing

15 ml poppy seeds
Salt, to taste
30 ml honey, softened
15 ml Dijon mustard
60 ml sour cream
120 ml mayonnaise

Salad

4 cups (approx. 480 g) cooked chicken breast, chopped
60 g dried cranberries
120 g pecans, chopped
4 green onions, chopped

Pro Tips for Delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

To make the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, ensure your cooked chicken breast is chopped into bite-sized pieces to evenly distribute the flavors. For an extra pop of flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the salad for a deeper nuttiness. Remember to save some pecans to stir in just before serving to maintain their crunchiness. If using Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative, adjust the amount to your preference to achieve the desired creaminess without compromising the texture.

Consider personalizing the recipe by swapping pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor profile. Experiment with dried cherries or raisins instead of cranberries to add a unique sweet-tart note to the salad. To elevate the dish further, serve the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad on a bed of leafy greens, as a sandwich filling, or wrapped in a tortilla with fresh arugula for a delightful twist on presentation and taste.

How to Make Delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Poppy Seed Dressing

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking until smooth.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

Combine chopped cooked chicken breast, pecans, dried cranberries, and green onions in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Final Taste Adjustment

Sample and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed before serving.

Storage Tips

Once prepared, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For added freshness and crunch, consider setting aside half of the pecans and stirring them into the salad just before serving. It is not recommended to freeze the salad as the dressing may lose its creamy texture.

If you prefer to customize the salad, feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds for a different nutty flavor and texture. To cater to dairy-free preferences, use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream. Additionally, grilled turkey breast can be used as a delicious protein alternative, and dried cherries or apricots can replace cranberries for a unique twist.

Enjoy this versatile salad on its own, piled onto toasted sourdough or croissants, served on lettuce cups, or over mixed greens. It can also be used as a filling in wraps or sandwiches for a satisfying meal. The recipe’s combination of vibrant flavors and textures makes it a hit at gatherings and a nostalgic dish that evokes warm memories of shared moments with loved ones.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have pecans on hand, you can easily substitute walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch and nutty flavor in your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. These alternatives work well and still provide that satisfying texture to complement the dish.

For a healthier twist, consider using Greek yogurt as a partial or complete replacement for the mayonnaise and sour cream in the dressing. This substitution offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture while reducing the overall calorie content of the salad. It’s a great way to lighten up the dish without sacrificing taste.

If you’re looking to switch up the dried fruit component, dried cherries or raisins can be used instead of cranberries to add a different sweet-tart note to your salad. These alternatives can bring a unique flavor profile while still providing the burst of sweetness that complements the savory chicken and creamy dressing. Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits to find your favorite combination.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try assembling mini Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad sliders. Toast small dinner rolls or slider buns, then top each with a generous scoop of the salad. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and sweet-tart flavors in a bite-sized format will be a hit at any gathering. Serve with a side of fresh fruit or vegetable sticks for a well-rounded meal.

Another fun idea is to create a chicken salad charcuterie board. Arrange bowls of the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, alongside various accompaniments such as crackers, sliced baguette, fresh fruits, nuts, and cheese. Let guests build their own unique combinations, mixing and matching flavors and textures for a personalized tasting experience. This interactive and visually appealing presentation is perfect for entertaining and can be customized to suit different dietary preferences.

FAQs for Delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Can I use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can replace pecans while still providing crunch and a nutty flavor.

How can I make this salad lighter?

For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise and sour cream.

What are some versatile serving suggestions for this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?

It pairs well on leafy greens, croissants, or as a filling in wraps and sandwiches for added variety.

How long can I store this salad for?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to three days.

Conclusion

As you embark on creating your own delightful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, remember that each bite carries not just the flavors of the ingredients, but also the warmth of cherished memories and shared moments around the table. Whether you’re preparing this salad for a casual weekday lunch, a gathering with friends, or just to treat yourself to something special, the versatile nature of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad ensures that every occasion is enhanced with its sweet, savory, and nutty goodness.

Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs – it’s all about making it your own. Whether you choose to enjoy it on a crisp bed of greens, nestled in a sandwich, or wrapped in a tortilla, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the joy of cooking, and savor every bite of this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart.