This Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a perfect mix of juicy chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet tart cranberries. It’s fresh, tasty, and super simple to whip up!
You can enjoy it on its own or pile it high on your favorite bread. I love making a big batch—I can have it for lunch all week! Who doesn’t love easy meal prep? 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for this salad because it’s quick and full of flavor. You can also use leftover chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch.
Dried Cranberries: These add a nice sweetness and tartness to the salad. If you’re looking for a substitute, try raisins or chopped apples for a different twist, or even dried cherries for a bolder flavor.
Pecans: Chopped pecans give a lovely crunch. If you have a nut allergy or want a change, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can work well!
Mayonnaise: This is essential for creaminess! If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap half of it with plain Greek yogurt, which also adds a nice tang. Vegan mayo is a good alternative too!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Dressing?
The dressing ties all the ingredients together and makes the salad creamy and flavorful. Here’s what to do:
- In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt (if using) together until smooth.
- Add Dijon mustard for a hint of zing, and honey for a touch of sweetness if you like.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning! If it needs more sweetness or tang, add more honey or mustard.
Remember, letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes is key. It helps all those flavors marry together beautifully!
Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional – for creaminess and tang)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves, croissants, or bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
In total, this recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. It’s a quick salad that’s great for meal prep or a light lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and diced celery. Give it a good stir to mix everything together evenly.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if you’re using it), Dijon mustard, and honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing will give your salad a creamy and delicious flavor.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. It should look delicious and creamy!
4. Season to Taste:
Add salt and pepper according to your preference. If you’d like it a little sweeter or tangier, feel free to add a bit more honey or mustard.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl or transfer the salad to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve the salad on a bed of lettuce, inside croissants, or on your favorite sandwich bread. It’s a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad! 🥗
FAQ for Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly here. If you have a rotisserie chicken, that’s a great time-saver too! Just make sure it’s chopped or shredded into bite-sized pieces.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again as the dressing may thicken over time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead of time! Just keep it stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will actually develop even more as it sits.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. You can also try avocado or vegan mayonnaise for a different flavor and texture!
