If you are craving a salad that beautifully balances sweet, nutty, and savory flavors, then you will fall in love with this Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy Recipe. It’s that perfect kind of dish that feels special yet comes together quickly, layering tender chicken with juicy dried cranberries, crisp celery, and toasted pecans all bound in a creamy, tangy dressing. Whether you’re packing a lunch or serving friends, this salad brings a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that will keep people coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients make this recipe shine, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the creamy dressing to the crunchy pecans, every component is essential for creating that irresistible combination.
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded): The star protein, tender and mild, providing a hearty base for the salad.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Adds just the right amount of sweet-tart burst to brighten every bite.
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped and lightly toasted): Brings a crunchy texture and rich, buttery flavor that complements the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup celery (finely chopped): Offers a crisp freshness that balances the creamy dressing perfectly.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Adds indulgent creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Gives a tangy undertone while lightening the dressing for a healthier swap.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Introduces a natural sweetness that highlights the cranberries and pecans.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to keep the flavors lively and refreshing.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle peppery kick to deepen the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and finely chopped celery. This mix brings together all the core elements of the salad before the dressing is introduced, laying down a medley of textures and tastes that make this salad so memorable.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth and creamy dressing. This luscious blend marries tang, sweet, and savory notes, perfectly complementing the ingredients in the bowl.
Step 3: Combine and Coat Evenly
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold gently until every bit is evenly coated. This step ensures each forkful delivers a burst of flavor and the signature creamy texture that defines the Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy Recipe.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Allowing it to chill gives the ingredients time to meld and enhances the overall taste, making the flavors more harmonious and mouthwatering.
How to Serve Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans or fresh parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and that irresistible crunch on top. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper can also add a subtle kick and elevate the dish visually.
Side Dishes
This salad shines best alongside light, fresh sides. Consider serving it with crisp green salads, crusty bread, or a bowl of seasonal fruit. For a heartier meal, it pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple quinoa pilaf.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad stuffed inside buttery croissants, wrapped in warm pita pockets, or scooped over a bed of mixed greens for an easy yet impressive lunch. You could also spoon it onto crackers or endive leaves as a delightful appetizer for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delightful chicken salad, simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and yogurt, freezing is not recommended for this salad as the texture and flavor can be compromised once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
This chicken salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t needed. If desired, you can let it sit out for 10–15 minutes to take the chill off before serving to enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a healthier option?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt already adds creaminess and tang, so you can use all Greek yogurt or a blend with avocado for a different flavor and healthier fat profile. Just keep in mind that the salad’s texture may be slightly different.
Is it better to use fresh or cooked chicken?
Cooked chicken breast is ideal here because it’s tender and easy to shred or dice. You can use leftovers, rotisserie chicken, or poach chicken breasts fresh for the best, juicy results.
How can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you could replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. For a vegan version, swap the mayo and yogurt for vegan alternatives and ensure the sweetener fits your diet.
What other nuts can I use besides pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or cashews are excellent substitutes that offer a similar crunch and richness. Toast them lightly to amplify the flavor just like with pecans.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Diced apples, grapes, or sliced green onions add different layers of freshness and sweetness. Just be mindful of balancing the flavors to keep that sweet and crunchy charm.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy Recipe that makes it a definite keeper in your recipe collection. Its effortless preparation, coupled with unforgettable flavor contrasts, makes it a go-to for quick lunches, easy dinners, or crowd-pleasing gatherings. I encourage you to whip up a batch and see how this simply delightful salad can brighten any meal with its sweet, crunchy goodness!
Print
Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful and sweetly crunchy chicken salad featuring tender cooked chicken breast, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans, all tossed in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice. Perfect as a main course, this salad offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped toasted pecans, and finely chopped celery. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly without breaking up the chicken.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, honey, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the honey is well incorporated.
- Mix the Salad and Dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and Marinate: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop before serving.
Notes
- This chicken salad is delicious served on croissants, sandwich bread, wraps, or over a bed of leafy greens for added freshness.
- For extra sweetness and texture, incorporate a finely chopped apple into the salad.
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and gives a satisfying crunch to the salad.
