This Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Seriously, who can resist that delightful crunch? I love making a big batch, so I have plenty for sandwiches or salads throughout the week. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe. It’s quick and adds flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use canned chicken or even leftover turkey.
Dried Cranberries: These provide a sweet touch. If you want a change, try dried cherries or raisins. They add a different twist while keeping the sweetness.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add crunch and richness. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make a nice alternative without losing that crunchy texture.
Celery: The crunch of celery is fantastic here. However, you can skip it or substitute with diced apples for a different texture; they will also add a natural sweetness.
Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: Mayonnaise gives creaminess, while Greek yogurt adds a tang. If you want a healthier twist, swap in avocado or use low-fat mayo.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad Stays Moist?
The key to a moist chicken salad is using good quality ingredients and finding the right balance of dressings. Here’s how you can ensure it stays flavorful:
- Make sure your chicken is well-cooked and shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Adding both mayo and Greek yogurt helps keep it creamy. If you prefer less fat, stick with Greek yogurt.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice; it adds zest and helps brighten all the flavors.
- Chill it! Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge lets the flavors meld and keeps everything moist.
Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves or croissants, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful chicken salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. A quick prep and then just a little waiting to let those flavors mix! Perfect for a fast lunch or an easy dinner option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken and Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded or diced chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and finely chopped celery. These ingredients come together to create a delicious base for your salad!
2. Whisk the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if you’re using it), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is smooth and blended well. This dressing adds the perfect creaminess to your salad!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour your smooth dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are well coated. This ensures that every bite is tasty!
4. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to your liking. Mix well so that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl and place the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy, serve the chicken salad on fresh lettuce leaves or layer it into croissants for a delightful sandwich. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be delicious!
Enjoy this easy and flavorful chicken salad for a quick meal or picnic treat!
FAQ for Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or dice it, and it’ll add extra flavor to your salad without needing to cook anything!
How Long Does This Chicken Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your cranberry pecan chicken salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it tightly sealed to maintain its freshness!
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can make this salad up to a day in advance! Just prepare it, chill it in the refrigerator, and it’ll be ready to enjoy the next day. Just remember to stir it well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t want to use Greek yogurt, you can simply use more mayonnaise or even sour cream for creaminess. If you’re looking for a healthier option, avocado mashed up can also work beautifully!
