Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: A Fresh, Flavorful Delight

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a vibrant and tasty dish that combines savory rotisserie chicken with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunchy texture of toasted pecans. It’s an easy, quick, and satisfying meal that can be served on a sandwich, over greens, or enjoyed as a refreshing side dish. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a flavorful dinner option, or a dish to take to your next gathering, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad will be a hit. With its mix of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, it’s a true crowd-pleaser.

For more fresh and flavorful salad recipes, you can check out Chicken Salad with Apples and Walnuts or try a creamy Tuna Salad with Sweet Pickles.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad combines tender rotisserie chicken with the crunch of celery, pecans, and the sweetness of dried cranberries (or craisins). A creamy dressing with a hint of paprika, garlic, and onion powders ties everything together perfectly. It’s a quick and delicious salad that’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a side dish at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (or craisins)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:
Shred or chop the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery, green onions, and pecans. If you’re using dried cranberries, chop them into smaller pieces for easier incorporation.
Mix the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and chopped green onions.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, cover the chicken salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
Serve the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad on its own, or in a sandwich, wrap, or over a bed of greens. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal!

Notes

You can swap the pecans for other nuts like walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference.
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
This salad pairs well with crackers, toast, or a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Main Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Shred or chop the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken, or if you prefer, cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them once they’re cooked through.
Toast the Pecans: In a small pan, toast the pecans over medium heat until they become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the pecans and adds a bit of extra crunch to your salad. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.
Chop the Vegetables: Chop the celery, green onions, and prepare the dried cranberries (or craisins) for mixing. Ensure that the vegetables and cranberries are evenly chopped so every bite of the salad has a balanced flavor.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped celery, green onions, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients together.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir well to combine the dressing into a smooth mixture.
Combine the Dressing and Chicken Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well-coated and evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
Chill the Salad: For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional, but it enhances the overall taste and texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, on toasted bread as a sandwich, or with crackers for a refreshing snack. Garnish with extra toasted pecans or green onions for a nice touch.

Advanced Techniques for Perfect Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

While this recipe is fairly straightforward, a few extra techniques can elevate your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad to the next level.

Grilling the Chicken for Extra Flavor

Grilling the chicken before shredding adds a smoky depth of flavor to the salad. Simply season the chicken breasts with a bit of salt, pepper, and olive oil, then grill them until fully cooked. Shred the grilled chicken and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Homemade Mayonnaise

For a truly indulgent salad, you can make your own mayonnaise. It’s surprisingly simple and adds a richer, more flavorful touch. Homemade mayo typically uses egg yolks, mustard, and olive oil, which can give your chicken salad a creamier texture.

Add Fresh Herbs

Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme. These herbs pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the cranberries and the richness of the mayonnaise.

Crispy Chicken Option

If you prefer a crispy chicken element in your salad, try tossing some of the chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs and pan-frying it for a crispy texture. You can cut the crispy chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the salad.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is best served fresh, but with proper storage, it can be kept for a few days. Here’s how to store it:

Storage:

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure the container is tightly sealed to preserve the freshness of the ingredients. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, which can enhance the taste!

Freezing:

It’s not recommended to freeze Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, as the mayo and other creamy ingredients can separate or become grainy when thawed. The salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Keeping it Fresh:

To maintain freshness and prevent the salad from becoming soggy, you can store the dressing separately and mix it with the salad just before serving. This helps keep the ingredients from getting too soft or wilted.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

While this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is already quite versatile, here are a few dietary adaptations and substitutions you can make.

Low-Calorie or Light Version:

To lighten up the salad, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise version. This will cut down on the fat and calories while still keeping the salad creamy and delicious.

Nut-Free Version:

If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer to skip the pecans, you can use sunflower seeds or roasted chickpeas as a crunchy alternative. Both options offer a great texture without the nuts.

Dairy-Free:

If you are avoiding dairy, ensure that your mayonnaise is dairy-free, or substitute with a plant-based mayo. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally dairy-free, so it’s easy to adapt.

Gluten-Free:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be cautious about the type of bread or crackers you serve with it, ensuring they are gluten-free as well.

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

While dried cranberries provide a chewy texture and a bit of sweetness, fresh cranberries will not have the same texture or flavor. You can substitute them, but you’ll need to adjust the sweetness since fresh cranberries are quite tart.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes! This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it covered tightly to maintain freshness.

Can I substitute the chicken for something else?

Yes! If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or even a combination of both. The flavors from the dressing and other ingredients will still work wonderfully with these alternatives.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs perfectly with crusty bread, crackers, or a side of mixed greens. You can also serve it in a wrap or on a sandwich for an easy lunch or dinner.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender rotisserie chicken, crunchy pecans, and the sweetness of cranberries creates a balanced, flavorful salad that will become a staple in your recipe rotation. With the option to customize it to fit various dietary needs, it’s a great option for gatherings, picnics, or just a healthy, satisfying meal at home. Enjoy this delicious chicken salad on its own or with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!