Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries
Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a quick lunch, a refreshing summertime treat, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This particular recipe, featuring a delightful combination of juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and tangy dried cranberries, is sure to become a new family favorite.
Prepare to be delighted by the interplay of sweet, savory, and tart flavors, all wrapped up in a creamy, satisfying base. Whether you’re serving it on a bed of greens, stuffed in a croissant, or scooped onto crackers, this chicken salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This chicken salad recipe is a true gem, standing out from the crowd with its unique flavor profile and textures. The juicy grapes provide a delightful burst of sweetness, the crunchy pecans add a satisfying crunch, and the dried cranberries lend a delightful tartness that perfectly balances the dish. Plus, with its make-ahead convenience and versatility, this recipe is a total lifesaver for busy weekdays or elegant gatherings.
What truly sets this chicken salad apart is the way the ingredients work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The creamy mayonnaise-based dressing acts as the glue, binding all the components together while allowing each one to shine. Whether you enjoy it on its own, nestled between slices of bread, or as a topping for a fresh green salad, this recipe is sure to become a new staple in your culinary repertoire.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries ❓
• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and tart dried cranberries creates a flavor profile that has made chicken salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture, and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
• Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days, to allow the flavors to meld.
• Step 5: Serve the chilled chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers or toast points. Enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken salad recipes, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries saves you 15% of your cooking time while delivering similar, if not better, flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 354mg
These Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 8% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the dried cranberries with a smaller amount of fresh blueberries or diced apple to lower the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew-based or avocado-based mayonnaise.
• Added protein: Mix in a scoop of unflavored protein powder or chopped hard-boiled eggs to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Fold in diced celery, shredded carrots, or diced bell peppers to increase the vegetable content and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Stuff the chicken salad into halved croissants or mini brioche buns for a delightful sandwich option.
• Pair the chicken salad with a side of fresh fruit, a cup of tomato soup, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
• For a picnic or potluck, create a platter with the chicken salad, crackers, and sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for a visually appealing and tasty presentation.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overmixing the salad: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking down the grapes and pecans, which can lead to a mushy texture.
• Skimping on the dressing: Make sure to use enough mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice to coat the chicken and fruit evenly, ensuring a creamy and flavorful salad.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: To freeze the salad, first, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the salad in the refrigerator overnight before mixing well and serving.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this chicken salad in advance?
Absolutely! This chicken salad is the perfect make-ahead dish. Simply prepare the salad, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the salad will be ready to serve whenever you need it.
Can I substitute the grapes or pecans with other ingredients?
Yes, you can definitely customize this recipe to suit your preferences. For the grapes, you can use diced apple, halved seedless red or green grapes, or even diced mango. As for the pecans, you can swap them for toasted walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just keep the overall portion sizes similar for the best texture and flavor balance.
Is this chicken salad suitable for special diets?
This recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate various dietary needs. For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat or non-fat mayonnaise. To make it dairy-free, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, such as cashew-based or avocado-based mayonnaise. And for a lower-carb option, simply reduce or omit the dried cranberries and use fresh berries or diced apples instead.
What if my chicken salad turns out too dry?
If your chicken salad seems a bit dry, simply add a bit more mayonnaise, a teaspoon or two at a time, until you reach the desired creaminess. The key is to gently fold in the additional dressing to avoid overmixing and breaking down the ingredients.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This chicken salad is highly versatile and can accommodate a variety of add-ins. Consider folding in diced celery, shredded carrots, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill. You can also boost the protein by mixing in a scoop of unflavored protein powder or chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Conclusion
These Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a light and refreshing lunch, a satisfying sandwich filling, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, contrasting textures, and harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tart flavors.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this chicken salad demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the mixing. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a chicken salad that’s both delicious and nutritious? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Print
Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 3 cups cooked, diced chicken
• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked, diced chicken, halved grapes, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
• Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture, and gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
• Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days, to allow the flavors to meld.
• Step 5: Serve the chilled chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers or toast points. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Delectable Chicken Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries
