Delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe Delight

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is like a party in your mouth, where juicy chicken meets crunchy pecans and sweet-tart cranberries, creating a delightful dance of flavors. Picture yourself biting into this salad, where every forkful bursts with color and zest, making it an ideal dish for any occasion, from picnics to potlucks.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it often graced our family gatherings. I remember the first time I made it—my kitchen transformed into a culinary battlefield, with nuts flying and cranberries bouncing off walls in sheer excitement. But trust me; the chaos is worth it when you savor this sensational salad that promises to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; they should be fresh to ensure tenderness and flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties for a balanced flavor profile.
• Chopped Pecans: Toasting them slightly enhances their nutty flavor; feel free to substitute with walnuts if preferred.
• Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach works best as it’s tender and adds vibrant color without overwhelming flavors.
• Celery Stalks: Crunchy celery adds texture; choose firm stalks for the best results.
• Greek Yogurt: This creamy base replaces mayonnaise for a healthier option while still providing richness.
• Honey: A touch of honey balances the tartness of cranberries; adjust according to your preference.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad and adds freshness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the boneless chicken breasts on a baking sheet and season them with salt and pepper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until they are fully cooked.

Step 2: Cool and Shred

Once baked, let the chicken cool for about ten minutes before shredding it using two forks or your hands—it can be therapeutic!

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. This creamy dressing will hold all those beautiful ingredients together.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery stalks (diced), and fresh spinach. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least an hour. This allows all those fabulous flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve

When ready to enjoy, give the salad another gentle stir before serving it on plates or in bowls.

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad makes for an incredible meal that’s not only pleasing to the palate but also delightful on the eyes! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in all those juicy flavors. While that’s sizzling, chop up your veggies and prepare the dressing. By multitasking, you’ll have a delicious, fresh cranberry pecan chicken salad ready in no time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cranberries for raisins or add some chopped apples for an extra crunch! Want a spice kick? Toss in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to give it a little heat and excitement. For more inspiration, check out this apple cider braised pork recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet without overcooking it to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Sometimes I whip this up after a long day, and my family swears they’re dining at a fancy restaurant! The way their eyes light up is priceless.

FAQs:

What are the main ingredients in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad features tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing. The salad combines these ingredients with a blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a rich flavor. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for additional taste. This salad is versatile and can be served on its own or as a filling in wraps or sandwiches.

How can I make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad healthier?

To make your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad healthier, consider using grilled or baked chicken instead of fried for fewer calories. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce fat content while adding protein. grilled chicken options Additionally, including more vegetables like spinach or arugula boosts nutritional value without compromising flavor. Adjusting portion sizes of the pecans and cranberries can also help manage calorie intake.

Can I prepare Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in advance! It’s an excellent option for meal prep as it stores well in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh, mix all ingredients except for the dressing until you’re ready to serve. When you’re prepared to enjoy it, simply add the dressing and give it a good toss. This salad lasts about three days when stored properly in an airtight container. For more inspiration, check out this one-pot chicken meals recipe.

What can I serve with Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it over a bed of mixed greens or alongside whole grain crackers for a light lunch. For a heartier meal, try it inside a wrap or sandwich made with whole grain bread. perfect side dish for salads Fresh fruit or vegetable sticks also complement this dish nicely, providing balance and color to your meal.

Conclusion for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad:

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also easy to make and customize. With its combination of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, this salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. By preparing it ahead of time, you can enjoy convenient meals throughout the week. chicken tenders for family meals Whether served alone or as part of a sandwich, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a quick weeknight dinner option. Enjoy this nutritious dish that brings both flavor and satisfaction!

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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish that effortlessly combines tender shredded chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet-tart cranberries. Perfect for any occasion, this refreshing salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Great for meal prep or as a light lunch, it promises to impress your family and friends with every delicious bite.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked, shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then bake on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
2. Allow the chicken to cool for 10 minutes before shredding it using two forks.
3. In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cranberries, pecans, diced celery, and spinach. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
5. Refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld before serving.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand. You can substitute walnuts for pecans or add diced apples for extra crunch. For a spicier kick, include cayenne pepper or chili flakes.