This colorful chicken salad brings together juicy chicken, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries for a tasty mix. It’s great for lunch or a light dinner!
There’s just something about that sweet-tangy cranberry that makes this salad feel special. I like to serve it on a fresh bed of greens or in a sandwich—it’s a treat every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken for ease, but any leftover cooked chicken works great too! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute with cooked turkey.
Dried Cranberries: These give that sweet-tart flavor. If you prefer, you can swap them for raisins, cherries, or even chopped apples for a fresh twist.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds can be a good alternative!
Mayonnaise: While I love regular mayo, you can use avocado mayo for a healthier fat option or swap in plain yogurt for a lighter dressing.
Celery: This gives a fresh crunch to the salad. If it’s not your thing, try diced bell peppers for a sweeter flavor!
How Can I Make Creamy and Flavorful Dressing?
The dressing is essential for tying this salad together, so here’s how to get it just right:
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth for extra creaminess. Feel free to use all mayo for richness or all yogurt for a lighter taste.
- Add honey or maple syrup to balance out the tanginess of the mayo and yogurt.
- Mix in the Dijon mustard, which adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Season it with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the flavor to your liking.
Letting the salad chill for a bit enhances the flavors, so don’t skip that step! Enjoy your refreshing chicken salad!
Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess and tang)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves or croissants, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken salad can be prepared in about 15 minutes, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator. In no time at all, you’ll have a fresh and flavorful meal ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the diced or shredded cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and finely chopped celery. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if you’re using it), honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing will enhance the salad’s flavor beautifully.
3. Mix It All Together:
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is well coated with the dressing.
4. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle some salt and black pepper to your liking, mixing again to ensure the seasoning is even throughout.
5. Chill to Enhance Flavor:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a delicious mix.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to eat, bring out the salad and serve it on crisp lettuce leaves, inside croissants, or on slices of your favorite bread. Enjoy every tasty bite of your easy, creamy, and flavorful chicken salad!
Can I Use Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in this salad. Just make sure to shred or dice it similarly to how you would with the chicken for the best texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
You can store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again as the ingredients may separate.
Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, simply omit the Greek yogurt and use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a bit of tang without the dairy.
What Are Some Good Serving Ideas?
This salad is versatile! Serve it on lettuce leaves for a light option, in croissants for a hearty sandwich, or even on top of mixed greens for a fresh salad. You can also add it to wraps or enjoy it with crackers!
