Description
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions
4 cups mixed greens (or your favorite salad base)
For the Dressing:
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp poppy seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and green onions.
Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve on greens: Plate the salad on a bed of mixed greens and enjoy immediately!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, ensure your cooked chicken is fully cooled before shredding. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant, then let them cool before chopping. While they toast, chop your celery and green onions. For the dressing, use a whisk to thoroughly combine the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise until completely smooth before adding the honey, mustard, and poppy seeds. This prevents a lumpy dressing. Gently fold the dressing into the chicken mixture until just combined to keep the texture intact.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad shines in more ways than one. Serve it as directed on a bed of crisp mixed greens for a light lunch. For a heartier meal, stuff it into a croissant or wrap it in a large tortilla. It also makes an excellent topping for whole-grain crackers or as a filling for avocado halves. For a party, serve it in endive leaves or small lettuce cups as elegant, gluten-free appetizers.
How-to Summary
Toast and chop pecans. Shred pre-cooked chicken. Chop celery and green onions. Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth. Combine chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and onions in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss to coat. Serve immediately over fresh greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, but for best texture, store the dressed chicken mixture and the salad greens separately. Combine just before serving to prevent sogginess.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt? Full-fat sour cream or a light, plain yogurt are excellent substitutes. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge? The combined chicken salad will keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I use a different nut? Absolutely. Walnuts or sliced almonds would be delicious alternatives to pecans. Toasting them is still recommended.
Is there a way to make this lower in calories? You can reduce calories by using light mayonnaise or increasing the Greek yogurt ratio while decreasing the mayo. The honey can also be slightly reduced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using warm chicken, as it will make the dressing oily and separate. Do not skip toasting the pecans; this step is crucial for deepening their flavor and adding crunch. Resist over-mixing the salad once the dressing is added, as it can break down the chicken and make the texture mushy. Finally, do not add salt to the dressing without tasting first, especially if your rotisserie chicken is already seasoned.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect intersection of ease, nutrition, and vibrant flavor. It transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a meal that feels special yet comes together in mere minutes. Its balance of savory chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all coated in a tangy-sweet dressing, guarantees it will become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether for a quick lunch, a picnic, or an easy dinner, this recipe is a reliable and delicious choice.