This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad combines tender chicken with tangy-sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy honey Dijon dressing for a flavorful, balanced meal. It’s perfect for lunches, light dinners, or any gathering, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Serve it on greens, as a sandwich filling, or with crackers for a versatile and satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Contrast: Sweet cranberries, nutty pecans, and creamy dressing make for a perfectly balanced bite.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: The combination of protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, healthy fats from pecans, and natural sweetness from cranberries make this both filling and flavorful.
- Quick and Simple: With minimal prep and no cooking required, this is a great make-ahead meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on salads, in wraps, or with crackers—ideal for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for a lighter, tangy touch)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for color and flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Stir gently to mix evenly.
Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Add the Onion
- Stir the finely chopped red onion into the dressing to distribute the flavor evenly throughout.
Combine Dressing and Chicken Mixture
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold the ingredients until all are thoroughly coated with the dressing.
Optional Add-In
- If desired, fold in the chopped fresh parsley for added color and a hint of fresh herb flavor.
Chill Before Serving
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad can be served in many ways:
- On a bed of greens: For a low-carb meal, serve it over a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach.
- In a sandwich: Use a croissant, wrap, or whole-grain bread for a hearty lunch.
- With crackers or pita chips: Makes a fantastic dip for a snack or party appetizer.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld for an even tastier dish.
Variations
- Apple Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of diced apple for extra crunch and natural sweetness.
- Extra Herbs: Try adding fresh dill or basil along with parsley for an extra herbal flavor.
- Swap the Pecans: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty profile.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas and use vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based twist.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Rotisserie chicken is ideal for this recipe, as it saves time and is already flavorful.
- Chop Ingredients Evenly: Finely chopping the onion and evenly distributing the cranberries and nuts ensures a balanced bite every time.
- Adjust Sweetness and Tang: Add an extra drizzle of honey for more sweetness or an additional squeeze of lemon juice for extra tang.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use all mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of mayonnaise instead of the yogurt for a richer, more traditional flavor.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries work best for their sweetness and chewiness. Fresh cranberries would be too tart without additional sugar.
3. Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free yogurt or more mayonnaise in place of Greek yogurt.
4. Can I freeze this chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the mayonnaise and yogurt when thawed.
5. Can I make this salad nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
This Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a delicious, versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans, stirring to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Add the Onion:
- Stir the finely chopped red onion into the dressing mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Combine Dressing and Chicken Mixture:
- Pour the dressing over the chicken, cranberry, and pecan mixture. Gently stir to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
Optional Add-In:
- If desired, fold in the chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of color and fresh flavor.
Chill Before Serving:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
- Serve chilled on a bed of greens, as a sandwich filling, or alongside your favorite crackers.
Notes
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Rotisserie chicken is ideal for this recipe, as it saves time and is already flavorful.
- Chop Ingredients Evenly: Finely chopping the onion and evenly distributing the cranberries and nuts ensures a balanced bite every time.
- Adjust Sweetness and Tang: Add an extra drizzle of honey for more sweetness or an additional squeeze of lemon juice for extra tang.