Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and wholesome goodness, then you have to try this Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s the kind of salad that feels like a warm hug on a plate — tender chicken melded perfectly with crisp celery, tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all brought together by a creamy, herb-infused dressing. Whether you want a quick lunch, a protein-packed snack, or a light dinner, this salad delivers satisfaction and bright, fresh flavors without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a melody of tastes and textures — from juicy, lean protein to sweet, crunchy, and savory notes that keep every bite interesting.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced: Rotisserie chicken is perfect here for convenience and flavor, but poached chicken breasts work great too for a tender, lean protein base.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of brightness to balance the creaminess.
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced: Brings a crisp tartness that wakes up your palate and complements the cranberries beautifully.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Provide bursts of chewy sweetness, making this salad both festive and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup pecans: Toasted or raw, they add a rich, buttery crunch that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/4 cup mayo: Gives the salad its creamy base and helps bind all ingredients stylishly together.
- 1/3 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt: Adds protein and a tangy creaminess — swap for extra mayo if you prefer dairy free.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: For a subtle smoky warmth that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley: Adds a fresh-herb note enhancing the salad’s vibrance.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Offers earthy, slightly floral undertones to deepen flavor complexity.
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary: A hint of piney aroma and savory depth bring everything together perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing harmony to the various flavors.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
This step is delightfully simple but very important. Take a large mixing bowl and add the diced cooked chicken, chopped celery, diced Granny Smith apple, dried cranberries, and pecans. These ingredients form the heart of the salad — a mix of juicy, crunchy, and sweet textures that your taste buds will adore.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine the mayo, Greek yogurt, paprika, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and sea salt. Stir until everything is smooth and well blended. This dressing is where the magic happens, coating the salad in creamy, herbaceous flavor that complements the sweetness and crunch of the other ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. This step ensures each bite has that perfect balance of juicy chicken, sweet fruit, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Letting the salad chill for at least 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can serve it right after mixing if you’re in a rush, but the flavors truly deepen with a little rest in the fridge.
How to Serve Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or dried cranberries on top for an inviting finishing touch. A light dusting of fresh parsley also adds a pop of green and a fresh aroma. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and taste with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
This Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try it alongside mixed green salads, crusty bread, or your favorite crackers for a complete and satisfying meal. For lighter eats, crisp cucumber or carrot sticks add a refreshing crunch without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch things up by serving the salad in crisp lettuce wraps for a low-carb, colorful option that’s perfect for lunchboxes or picnics. You can also pile it generously into a sandwich with whole grain bread or stuff into a pita pocket for a handheld delight. No matter how you serve it, this salad steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mature and develop further in the fridge, making leftovers just as enjoyable as fresh servings.
Freezing
Because of its creamy texture and fresh fruits, this salad is not recommended for freezing. Freezing would change the texture of some ingredients, especially the apples and pecans, and cause separation in the dressing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, let leftovers sit out for about 10 minutes before eating to allow the flavors to open up. Avoid reheating or microwaving, as the texture and taste will not hold up well.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken other than rotisserie?
Absolutely! Poached, grilled, or baked chicken breasts work just as well. The key is to have tender, cooked chicken diced into small pieces for easy mixing and eating.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
By swapping the Greek yogurt for additional mayo, this recipe easily becomes dairy-free. The mayo keeps it creamy and moist without compromising flavor.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives if you want to change up the texture or flavor. Toast them lightly to enhance their aroma.
How long does this salad keep fresh?
Stored in the fridge properly, this salad stays fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, the fruits may lose their crispness and the dressing could start to separate.
What can I serve with this salad for a complete meal?
Pair it with whole grain bread, leafy greens, or a simple soup to make a balanced and satisfying meal that’s easy and quick to prepare.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those effortless crowd-pleasers that just makes life easier and tastier. It’s packed with protein, vibrant colors, and delightful textures in every bite. You really should try making it the next time you want something fresh, nourishing, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, it will become one of your go-to favorites faster than you think!
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Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a high-protein, flavorful dish perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. Featuring tender cooked chicken combined with crunchy pecans, tart dried cranberries, and fresh apple, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a creamy, herbed dressing made from mayo and Greek yogurt. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is versatile for serving with crackers, in lettuce wraps, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced (preferably rotisserie or poached chicken breasts)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (substitute additional mayo for dairy-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced cooked chicken, chopped celery, diced Granny Smith apple, dried cranberries, pecans, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and all the herbs and spices including paprika, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and sea salt.
- Mix Well: Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until the chicken salad is evenly coated with the creamy dressing and the flavors are well distributed. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Enjoy the chicken salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a cold serving. Serve with crackers, stuffed in lettuce wraps, or as a sandwich filling.
Notes
- To make your own cooked chicken quickly, poach chicken breasts by simmering them gently in water or broth until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
- You can substitute the plain non-fat Greek yogurt with more mayonnaise to make a dairy-free version of this salad.
- For added crunch, consider toasting the pecans before adding.
- The salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
