Delicious Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory Flavors

Chicken salad with cranberries and pecans is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing for a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. In this article, we'll explore a mouthwatering recipe for chicken salad featuring these delicious ingredients, perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or potluck gathering.

Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

For the Salad:

• Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad.
• Pecans: Toasted and chopped for a crunchy texture.
• Celery: Finely diced for freshness and crunch.
• Red Onion: Finely chopped for a subtle bite.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a pop of color and freshness.

For the Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and richness to the dressing.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightens up the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds depth of flavor and a hint of spice.
• Honey: Balances the tanginess with a touch of sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and freshness to the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

Instructions for Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

chicken salad recipe with cranberries and pecans

1. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

2. Combine Salad Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, chopped red onion, and chopped parsley.

3. Add Dressing and Toss:

   • Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

4. Chill and Serve:

   • Cover the chicken salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and garnish with additional parsley, if desired.

chicken salad recipe with cranberries and pecans

Serving Suggestions

• Sandwich: Serve the chicken salad between slices of your favorite bread or croissant for a delicious sandwich.
• Lettuce Cups: Spoon the chicken salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option.
• Wrap: Roll the chicken salad in a tortilla or flatbread for a portable and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Chicken salad with cranberries and pecans is a versatile and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its combination of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed on its own, in a sandwich, or as part of a salad spread, this chicken salad is a delicious and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.