Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

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

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Stir gently to mix evenly.

Make the Dressing

2. 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

3. Stir the finely chopped red onion into the dressing to distribute the flavor evenly throughout.

Combine Dressing and Chicken Mixture

4. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold the ingredients until all are thoroughly coated with the dressing.

Optional Add-In

5. If desired, fold in the chopped fresh parsley for added color and a hint of fresh herb flavor.

Chill Before Serving

6. 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!

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