When you’re looking for a meal that is both refreshing and satisfying, this recipe for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect solution. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining tender shredded chicken with the sweet and tart burst of dried cranberries, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and a creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing. This is a light yet filling meal that is incredibly easy to make and is guaranteed to become a new favorite for lunch or a quick dinner.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that are both simple to prepare and packed with flavor, and this chicken salad has it all. What I love most is the incredible balance of ingredients. The creamy, slightly sweet poppy seed dressing perfectly coats the shredded chicken, while the dried cranberries add a pop of bright, fruity flavor. The pecans and celery provide a wonderful, satisfying crunch that is a perfect contrast to the soft chicken. It’s also a fantastic “make-ahead” meal. You can prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week and have a delicious, ready-to-go lunch for several days.
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
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken is a huge time-saver. You can use leftover roasted chicken, a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or you can quickly boil and shred a couple of chicken breasts.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries are a key ingredient for their sweet and tart flavor. You can also use other dried fruits like chopped apricots, raisins, or dried cherries.
- Pecans: Pecans add a wonderful nutty flavor and crunch. You can also use other nuts like chopped walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Dressing: A good quality poppy seed dressing is a perfect choice, as it’s both creamy and tangy. You can also use a simple mixture of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with a little lemon juice, or a light vinaigrette for a less creamy option.
- Red Onion: The diced red onion adds a nice, sharp flavor that cuts through the creaminess of the dressing. For a milder flavor, you can soak the diced red onion in a little cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, chopped celery, and diced red onion.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the mixture generously with the poppy seed dressing.
- Mix Everything: Gently combine all the ingredients until everything is well mixed and coated in the dressing.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Serve: Serve this delightful chicken salad over a refreshing bed of mixed greens.
Tips for Success
- Use Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded before you begin. A rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut.
- Chop Ingredients Evenly: Chop your pecans, celery, and red onion to a similar size. This ensures you get a good balance of flavor and texture in every bite.
- Don’t Over-Dress: Start with half of the poppy seed dressing and add more as needed. You want the salad to be coated, but not swimming in dressing.
- Let it Chill: While this chicken salad is delicious served immediately, the flavors will deepen and meld together if you let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This cranberry pecan chicken salad is perfect served over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal. It is also fantastic as a sandwich filling on your favorite bread or as a topping for crackers. For a different twist, you could serve it in a lettuce wrap or on a croissant.
For a drink pairing, a simple iced tea, a glass of water with a slice of lemon, or a light white wine would all be great choices.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a healthy and well-rounded meal. It provides lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the pecans and dressing, and a variety of vitamins and fiber from the cranberries and mixed greens. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a balanced diet.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This chicken salad stores beautifully. You can store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious over time.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. It’s a delicious, healthy, and incredibly versatile meal that is perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy the incredible combination of flavors and textures as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you gave this recipe a try!
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