Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans​

Looking for a tasty, budget-friendly meal? This cranberry pecan chicken salad is perfect! It mixes tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans. It’s a delicious mix of flavors and textures, all for just $3 per serving.

This homemade chicken salad is loved for its flexibility. You can put it in a sandwich, on greens, or eat it straight from the bowl. It’s packed with 21g of protein, making it both filling and healthy. Plus, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for meal prep.

Introduction to this Fall-Inspired Chicken Salad

Get ready to taste the best chicken salad ever. This fall dish mixes classic flavors with a seasonal twist. It’s a healthy recipe perfect for any time. With a 4.9 out of 5-star rating from 93 reviews, it’s a hit with everyone.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This chicken salad is special. It combines sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans for a unique taste. You can use it as a sandwich filling, salad topping, or a dish on its own.

Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

Every bite is a mix of great flavors. Cranberries add sweetness, while chicken brings savory taste. Pecans add crunch, and apple pieces add crispness and a bit of tartness.

Health Benefits Overview

This chicken salad is not just tasty but also nutritious. It has 23 grams of protein to keep you full and energized. It’s gluten-free and dairy-free, fitting many diets. You can make it egg-free by using plant-based mayo or nut-free by swapping nuts for seeds.

Essential Ingredients for Success

Making the perfect cranberry chicken salad or pecan chicken salad begins with the right ingredients. The choice of each component is key. It can make or break the dish.

Choosing the Right Chicken

For your cranberry chicken salad, use 1 pound of chicken breasts. This will give you about 2 cups of cooked chicken, enough for 8 servings. To add extra flavor, poach the chicken with bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic.

After cooking, chop or shred the meat to your liking.

Fresh Produce Components

Add crunch and freshness to your pecan chicken salad with 1/3 cup chopped celery and 1 diced apple. For a hint of sharpness, include 1/3 cup finely diced white onion. Don’t forget 1/2 cup dried cranberries for a sweet-tart kick.

Dressing and Seasoning Elements

Create a creamy base with 1/2 cup light mayonnaise and 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt. Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup for depth. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of black pepper and kosher salt.

For the finishing touch, mix in 3/4 cup pecan halves. This combination ensures your salad is bursting with flavor in every bite.

Key Equipment and Tools Needed

To make a tasty homemade chicken salad, you need the right tools. A medium-sized bowl is great for mixing ingredients. A large mixing bowl is perfect for combining everything.

A parchment-lined baking sheet is key for roasting pecans just right. For easy chicken prep, a stand mixer or hand mixer is handy. These tools make shredding cooked chicken simple.

A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for chopping celery and red onions. If you’re short on time, a vegetable chopper can help speed up dicing.

Remember to have measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts. A whisk or fork is great for blending the dressing smoothly. Lastly, use airtight containers to store your homemade chicken salad. With these tools, you’re all set to make a delicious dish for any occasion.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Make a tasty chicken salad in just 15 minutes with this guide. It has tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans. This mix gives you a great taste and texture.

Preparing the Chicken

Begin with 4 cans of chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the store. Shred the chicken into small pieces. Put it in a big bowl.

Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of pecan halves to the bowl.

Making the Dressing

In another bowl, mix 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder for extra taste. Stir until it’s all mixed up.

Combining the Ingredients

Pour the dressing over the chicken mix and gently fold it together. Slice 2-3 green onions and add them to the bowl. Mix well so everything is spread out evenly.

For the best taste, chill the salad for about an hour before serving. This recipe makes 4 servings and keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Pecans

Make your cranberry pecan chicken salad even better with perfectly roasted pecans. Roasting brings out the pecans’ rich, nutty flavor. It also adds a delightful crunch to your salad. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes.

Seasoning Suggestions

For tasty pecans, toss raw nuts with avocado oil and maple syrup. Add a pinch of fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of coconut sugar. This mix adds a sweet and savory flavor. It perfectly complements the tart cranberries and savory chicken in your salad.

Roasting Temperature and Timing

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the seasoned pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 5 minutes, then toss them quickly. Roast for another 5 minutes.

Keep an eye on the pecans to avoid burning. The total roasting time is about 10 minutes. This will give you golden-brown, fragrant pecans that will make your salad even better.

Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Information

This healthy chicken salad recipe is a nutritional powerhouse. It offers 55g of protein, which is great for muscle repair and growth. It also has 6g of dietary fiber, helping with digestion.

Looking to keep calories in check? You’ll love this. Each serving has 306 calories, making it perfect for meal planning. The recipe uses a 6:1 chicken to mayonnaise ratio, reducing fats while keeping flavors rich.

The cranberry pecan mix is not only delicious but also good for you. Pecans are full of heart-healthy fats, and cranberries are packed with antioxidants. It has 27g of sugars, mostly from natural sources, making it a good choice for those watching their sugar intake.

This salad is great for different diets. It’s gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using plant-based yogurt. Its balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats makes it a hit with nutritionists.

Storage and Meal Prep Guidelines

Chicken salad with cranberries and pecans is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch for the week. It stays fresh in the fridge, perfect for busy days.

Proper Storage Techniques

Keep your chicken salad fresh by storing it in an airtight container. Glass containers are best for keeping flavors and preventing odors. Always seal the container tightly to keep it fresh.

How Long It Lasts

Your chicken salad will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days if stored right. This lets you enjoy it all week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months if you want.

Best Containers to Use

Use glass containers with tight-fitting lids for the best results. They keep the salad fresh and prevent odors. For meal prep, use small containers for easy lunches.

Keep your chicken salad cold when you take it to work or on picnics. Use an insulated lunch bag with ice packs. With the right storage, you can enjoy your chicken salad all week.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Chicken salad with apples is great in many ways. You can put it in sandwiches, on greens, or with crackers. There are so many options!

Sandwich Variations

For a quick lunch, use whole wheat bread or a croissant. Or, try romaine lettuce leaves for a lighter option. For something different, spread it on a tortilla with spinach.

Salad Presentations

Place your chicken salad on mixed greens for a fresh meal. Add avocado or cherry tomatoes for more taste and health. You can also use a tomato or avocado half for a fancy look.

Pair it with soup or a light pasta salad for a full meal. White cheddar mac and cheese or tangy coleslaw are great choices. Remember, add fresh fruit to complete your plate!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Want to make the best chicken salad but need to change the recipe? You’re in luck! This dish can be adjusted to fit different diets without losing flavor.

Dairy-Free Options

Need to avoid dairy? Use a thick, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. Or, try 3/4 cup of mayonnaise. These swaps keep your salad creamy and tasty, fitting your diet.

Nut-Free Alternatives

Got a nut allergy? You can still enjoy a crunchy chicken salad. Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of pecans. They offer a similar crunch and nutritional value. Adding chopped celery also adds extra crunch.

Don’t like cranberries? Try dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dates for a sweet twist. Adjust the mayo to yogurt ratio to your taste, but keep it at 3/4 cup for the right dressing. The best chicken salad is the one that makes you happy and fits your diet!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Making an easy chicken salad recipe can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. One common issue is dry chicken. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures your chicken is fully cooked without becoming tough or dry.

If your chicken salad becomes too dry during storage, don’t worry. You can easily fix this by adding a small amount of mayo or Greek yogurt. This will refresh the texture and bring back the creamy consistency you desire. For a consistent texture in your easy chicken salad recipe, consider using a vegetable chopper to dice ingredients evenly.

Food safety is crucial when preparing chicken salad. Recent recalls have affected millions of pounds of ready-to-eat products, including salads containing chicken, due to potential listeria contamination. While no illnesses have been reported, it’s important to stay informed about food safety alerts and practice proper handling techniques when making your easy chicken salad recipe at home.

By following these troubleshooting tips and staying aware of food safety concerns, you can create a delicious and safe chicken salad every time. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t exactly as you imagined. Keep trying, and soon you’ll master this easy chicken salad recipe.

Conclusion

The cranberry chicken salad is a mix of great flavors and textures. It’s both healthy and delicious. You’ll enjoy the sweetness of cranberries, the crunch of pecans, and the savory chicken.

Making this salad is quick, taking only 15 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to cook. Each serving has 320 calories, with 24g of protein, 20g of fat, and 15g of carbs. It makes 4 servings, perfect for meal prep or family dinners. People love it, giving it a 5 out of 5 rating.

This salad is great for any meal or event. You can easily change it to fit different diets. Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy it all week.

FAQ

How long does this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad last in the refrigerator?

Store this chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Glass containers help keep it fresh.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make it dairy-free. Replace Greek yogurt with unsweetened thick dairy-free yogurt or use 3/4 cup mayonnaise instead.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?

Cook chicken breasts at 400°F for 25-27 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for moist chicken.

How can I add more crunch to the salad?

Roast pecans with spices at 400°F for 10 minutes. This makes them tastier and adds crunch to the salad.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a quick alternative. Just shred the meat and follow the recipe.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

To cut calories, use more Greek yogurt and less mayonnaise in the dressing. Choose a low-fat mayonnaise for even fewer calories.

What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?

For a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They offer a similar crunch without nuts.

Is this chicken salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is gluten-free. Always check your ingredients’ labels to ensure they’re gluten-free if you have gluten issues.