Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Imagine a dish that combines the sweet-tart goodness of cranberries, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the tender, juicy charm of chicken. Welcome to the world of cranberry pecan chicken salad, a recipe that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. This versatile dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a testament to the art of blending flavors and textures for a truly remarkable culinary experience.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, a ladies’ luncheon, or simply craving a satisfying and nourishing meal, this cranberry pecan chicken salad is sure to delight. Its vibrant hues and inviting aroma will have your guests eagerly anticipating the first bite, and its flavor profile will leave them craving more.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
The appeal of this cranberry pecan chicken salad lies in its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. The juicy, tender chicken serves as the foundation, while the tart cranberries and toasted pecans provide a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. The combination is nothing short of sublime, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a filling for sandwiches or lettuce wraps. It’s also an excellent make-ahead option, as the flavors only deepen over time, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or entertaining. And let’s not forget the nutritional benefits – the protein-rich chicken, heart-healthy pecans, and antioxidant-packed cranberries make this salad a well-rounded and wholesome choice.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad ❓
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, halved
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• Salt and black pepper to taste
The beauty of this cranberry pecan chicken salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates the delightful flavor profile that has made chicken salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until well blended.
• Step 3: Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken, cranberries, and pecans, and gently fold to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated.
• Step 4: Stir in the diced celery and red onion, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberry pecan chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
⏱️ 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 cranberry pecan chicken salad saves you 15% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors with a unique twist.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
These cranberry pecan chicken salad sandwiches provide approximately 25% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the honey and use a sugar-free sweetener or leave it out altogether for a lower-carb take on the recipe.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan mayonnaise or a creamy cashew-based dressing.
• Added protein: Mix in some cooked and crumbled bacon or diced hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Fold in some diced bell peppers, chopped kale, or shredded carrots for added nutrition and texture.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the cranberry pecan chicken salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair it with a crisp, green salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a complete and satisfying lunch or dinner.
• For a picnic or potluck, scoop the salad onto flaky croissants or mini Hawaiian rolls for easy-to-eat sandwiches.
• Create a beautiful charcuterie board or appetizer platter by serving the chicken salad with crackers, grapes, and sliced baguette.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Excessive dressing: Be mindful of the mayonnaise-to-chicken ratio, as too much dressing can make the salad overly creamy and heavy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t skip the 30-minute refrigeration time, as this allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up for the best results.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These cranberry pecan chicken salad leftovers retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze the chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: If desired, you can gently reheat the chicken salad in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This can help revive the texture if it has become a bit firm in the refrigerator.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the cranberry pecan chicken salad in advance?
Absolutely! This chicken salad is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and enjoy it whenever you’re ready to serve. The flavors will actually deepen and meld together over time.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different proteins in this recipe. Turkey, tuna, or even chickpeas would all work well as alternatives to the chicken. Just adjust the seasoning and dressing as needed to complement the new protein source.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
The basic cranberry pecan chicken salad recipe is naturally gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, simply swap out the mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan mayonnaise or a creamy cashew-based dressing. These modifications ensure the recipe is suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Why are my cranberries turning mushy?
If your cranberries are becoming overly soft or mushy, it’s likely because they’ve been overcooked or left in the salad for too long. To prevent this, try using fresh or frozen cranberries (not canned) and only mixing them into the salad just before serving. The cranberries should retain their firm, slightly tart texture.
Can I add any additional ingredients to the cranberry pecan chicken salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Consider adding diced apples, grapes, sliced celery, toasted walnuts, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Just be mindful of not overwhelming the core flavors of the chicken, cranberries, and pecans.
Conclusion
These cranberry pecan chicken salad sandwiches represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a light and refreshing lunch or a sophisticated appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors and delightful texture contrasts. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these cranberry pecan chicken salad creations demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So, why not give this recipe a try and experience the joy of blending sweet, savory, and crunchy elements into a truly remarkable dish that will have your taste buds singing with delight?
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, halved
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and diced chicken, cranberries, and toasted pecans.
• Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until well blended.
• Step 3: Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken, cranberries, and pecans, and gently fold to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated.
• Step 4: Stir in the diced celery and red onion, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberry pecan chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
