Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipes: Delicious Variations to Try

Elevate your chicken salad game with the delightful combination of sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans. This classic dish gets a flavorful twist with the addition of these two ingredients, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you prefer a traditional chicken salad or want to experiment with unique ingredients, here are some delicious recipes to inspire your next meal:

1. Classic Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Start with a base of cooked and shredded chicken breast, then add a generous handful of dried cranberries and chopped pecans for sweetness and crunch. Mix in mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or between slices of your favorite bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

2. Waldorf-Inspired Chicken Salad

Put a spin on the classic Waldorf salad by incorporating chicken, cranberries, and pecans. Combine diced cooked chicken with chopped apples, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Dress the salad with a mixture of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Serve on a bed of mixed greens or in a wrap for a refreshing and nutritious lunch option.

3. Curry Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Add a touch of spice to your chicken salad by incorporating curry powder into the dressing. Mix shredded chicken with chopped celery, green onions, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, curry powder, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken mixture with the dressing until well coated. Serve on a croissant or whole-grain bread for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

4. Greek-Inspired Chicken Salad

Give your chicken salad a Mediterranean twist by adding Greek yogurt, feta cheese, and olives. Combine shredded chicken with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Dress the salad with a mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Serve on a bed of spinach or in a pita pocket for a refreshing and protein-packed meal.

5. Balsamic Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

Create a tangy and flavorful chicken salad by dressing it with a balsamic vinaigrette. Mix shredded chicken with diced red bell pepper, red onion, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. For the dressing, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken mixture with the dressing until well combined. Serve on a bed of arugula or mixed greens for a sophisticated and delicious meal.

Conclusion

With these flavorful and creative chicken salad recipes featuring cranberries and pecans, you'll never have to settle for a boring lunch again. Whether you prefer a classic combination or want to experiment with bold flavors, these recipes offer something for everyone. Whip up a batch of chicken salad with cranberries and pecans for your next meal and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness.