Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
This flavorful chicken salad combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables, sweet fruit, and crunchy pecans for a delicious blend of textures and tastes. Juicy grapes and tart dried cranberries add natural sweetness, while toasted pecans provide richness and crunch. Everything is tossed in a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard for a perfectly balanced finish.
Easy to prepare and full of fresh ingredients, this salad is ideal for lunches, light dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced | 2 cups |
| Celery, finely chopped | 1 cup |
| Red grapes, halved | 1 cup |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup |
| Pecans, toasted and roughly chopped | ½ cup |
| Green onions, sliced | ¼ cup |
| Greek yogurt or mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts by roasting, grilling, or poaching until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to cool completely, then shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
Place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the nuts become fragrant and lightly toasted. Remove them from the skillet immediately to prevent burning and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, grapes, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and sliced green onions. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tip: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to blend together while keeping the celery and pecans pleasantly crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken salad on croissants, sandwich bread, wraps, lettuce leaves, or enjoy it on its own for a fresh and satisfying meal.
