Cranberry pecan chicken salad is a delightful combination of tender, diced chicken breast mixed with dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and often celery or green onions for added texture and flavor. The salad is typically bound together with a creamy dressing, which could be mayonnaise-based or a lighter yogurt-based dressing, seasoned with herbs and spices like dill or parsley. The sweet-tartness of the cranberries, the nuttiness of the pecans, and the savory chicken create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for sandwiches, wraps, or served on a bed of greens as a refreshing and satisfying meal option.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and diced red onion.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the chicken salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the chicken salad a final toss to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Garnish the cranberry pecan chicken salad with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve the chicken salad chilled on its own, or as a sandwich filling, wrap filling, or on top of a bed of mixed greens.
This cranberry pecan chicken salad is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or as a refreshing summer meal. Enjoy the combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite!
