Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
There’s something special about a Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans. The juicy chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans create delightful flavors and textures. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or weeknight meal and is easy to prepare. Whether you prefer a classic or customizable recipe, this tasty salad will quickly become a kitchen staple. Let’s get started on this delicious dish!
Table of contents
Ingredients to Make Our Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful salad. I’ve tried to make it as simple and accessible as possible so you can easily find these ingredients at your local store:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Note |
| Cooked Chicken Breast | 3 cups | Shredded or diced, rotisserie chicken works great! |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup | Use your favorite brand. Light mayo is fine as well |
| Dried Cranberries | 1 cup | Adds a sweet and chewy element. |
| Pecans | 1/2 cup | Roughly chopped, toasted for extra flavor. |
| Celery | 1/2 cup | Finely chopped, adds a nice crunch. |
| Red Onion | 1/4 cup | Finely chopped, adds a little bit of zing. |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 tablespoons | Finely chopped, adds a fresh herb flavor. |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tablespoon | For a tangy depth of flavor. |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon | Freshly squeezed is best! |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Or to taste. |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | Or to taste. |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Having the right tools can make the preparation of this salad a breeze. Here’s what I recommend you have on hand:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and chicken.
- Sharp Knife: For precise chopping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
- Small skillet or baking sheet: for toasting the pecans
- Rubber Spatula or Large Spoon: For mixing everything together.
Quotes
“A great chicken salad is a study in balance. This one achieves the perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.”
Instructions
Time needed: 20 minutes
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own amazing Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans:
- Prepare the Chicken
If you have cooked chicken breasts, chop them into small pieces. If you have a rotisserie chicken, take off the skin and bones, then tear the meat into small pieces.
- Toast the Pecans
Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly toasted. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from the heat and let them cool completely. Alternatively, bake on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, mayonnaise, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped red onion.
- Add Seasonings
Add the finely chopped fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix Well
Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill
For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve
Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans!
Tips and Tricks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can take this chicken salad with cranberries to the next level:
- Toast Your Pecans: Toasting the pecans is crucial for bringing out their nutty flavor. I highly recommend toasting them in a dry skillet over low heat until fragrant or using an oven. This will really make a difference in the overall taste of your chicken salad with pecans.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a watery and mushy salad. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use Good Quality Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise is a key component of the salad, so choose a high-quality brand that you enjoy.
- Fresh Herbs are Best: Fresh parsley adds a bright and fresh flavor that you just can’t get from dried herbs.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you find that you like a sweeter salad, add some extra cranberries or a drizzle of honey. If you prefer less sweet reduce the cranberries.
- Chill Time: Letting your cranberry chicken salad with pecans chill for at least 30 minutes is crucial. It allows the flavors to really meld together and enhance the overall taste.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Serving Suggestions
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this delightful salad:
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Serve on your favorite bread or in a wrap with lettuce and tomato.
- Crackers or Crostini: A perfect appetizer or light snack served with crackers or toasted crostini.
- Lettuce Cups: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve in crisp lettuce cups.
- Salad Greens: Top a bed of mixed greens with a generous scoop of chicken salad.
- Stuffed Avocado: Create a flavorful and healthy meal by stuffing the chicken salad into avocado halves.
- Alongside Fruits or Vegetables: Enjoy with fresh fruit, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup), keep in mind that it’s an estimate and it can vary based on the ingredients and brands used:
- Calories: 350-450
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Cholesterol: 80-100mg
- Sodium: 400-500mg
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 20-25g
Variations or Alternatives
Here are some fun ways to tweak this recipe and make it your own:
- Curry Chicken Salad: Add a teaspoon of curry powder for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Grape and Walnut Chicken Salad: Substitute grapes for cranberries and walnuts for pecans.
- Apple and Celery Chicken Salad: Add diced apple and extra celery for added crunch.
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Herbaceous Chicken Salad: Try using fresh dill, chives, or tarragon instead of parsley for different flavor profiles.
- Greek Yogurt Version: Use half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise to reduce the amount of fat in the cranberry chicken salad with pecans.
Conclusion
This Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The sweet and tart cranberries, the crunchy pecans, and the savory chicken make this salad an absolute winner. Whether you are making a simple lunch or preparing a spread for a party, this recipe will not disappoint. Experiment with the different variations and find what works best for you. I know this chicken salad with cranberries will quickly become a new family favorite!
Key Takeaways:
- Toast the pecans to enhance their flavor.
- Don’t overmix to maintain the salad’s texture.
- Adjust ingredients to your preference.
- Chill the salad to allow the flavors to combine.
- Get creative with serving options.
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions you might have about preparing this chicken salad with pecans:
Yes, you can use canned chicken, but make sure to drain it well. The texture will be different from fresh chicken.
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds would work well. Adjust the quantity according to your preference.
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Yes, this salad can be made up to a day in advance. The flavors tend to meld even more as it sits in the fridge.
If you want to reduce the amount of fat, you can use a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Alternatively, avocado can be used as well.
Who Should Skip This Recipe!
While I think this recipe is wonderful, it’s not for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine! Here’s a lighthearted look at who might want to skip this Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans:
- Those with Nut Allergies: This recipe contains pecans, which can be a problem for anyone with nut allergies. Please skip this or find a safe alternative.
- Those on Low-Carb Diets: This salad does contain dried cranberries and mayonnaise which can be high in carbohydrates. If you’re following a strict low-carb or keto diet, you will need to find another option, or modify this one with some alternatives.
- Individuals with Egg Allergies: Mayonnaise is typically made with eggs. If you are allergic to eggs, you will have to use an egg free mayonnaise.
- Those Watching Sodium Intake: Mayonnaise can be high in sodium, so if you’re watching your sodium intake, make sure you choose a low-sodium mayonnaise option or use less mayonnaise.
- People Who Dislike Mayonnaise: If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, this recipe will probably not suit your taste. You can replace it with some of the variations mentioned above.
Remember, the world of food is incredibly diverse, and there’s something for everyone. If this recipe isn’t your cup of tea, no worries! There are plenty of other delicious options out there.
What Do You Think?
Now that I’ve shared all my secrets, it’s your turn! I am very excited to hear how this chicken salad with cranberries turns out for you. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below. If you try any of the variations, I’d love to know how they turn out! Also, please check our other recipes if you like this one.
My personal touch ?
Growing up, my mother always made the best Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans for our family picnics. I still remember how excited I was when she would start prepping the ingredients. The combination of flavors and textures always brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Now that I am older I made a twist to her recipe to accommodate my preference but still use her same base. Every time I make this salad, it brings back those cherished memories, and that is what I love about cooking. This recipe is very special to me, and I’m sure that if you do it as I am saying, it will become a family favorite too.
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