If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with autumn-inspired flavors and a delightful blend of textures, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It perfectly balances the sweet tartness of dried cranberries with the crunch of pecans and celery, all wrapped up in a creamy, flavorful dressing. Whether you’re prepping a quick lunch, packing a picnic, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe brings warmth and comfort in every bite, making it a true favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins, and this recipe keeps it refreshingly simple. Each item plays its part, from the tender chicken providing hearty substance, to the crunchy pecans and fresh celery that add texture and visual appeal. The dried cranberries bring a pop of color and sweetness, perfectly complemented by the rich creaminess of the mayonnaise.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced): Use leftover chicken or freshly baked for tender, protein-packed goodness.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1/2 cup diced celery: For a crisp, refreshing crunch that brightens every bite.
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped): Offers a buttery texture and nutty flavor that elevates the salad.
- 1 shallot (finely minced): Introduces a subtle oniony hint, balancing the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings everything together smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth of flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
If you don’t have leftover cooked chicken handy, don’t worry! Simply season some chicken breasts with salt and pepper, bake them at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until they’re cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This fresh start ensures tenderness and a juicy base for your salad.
Step 2: Dice the Chicken
Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, dice it into bite-sized pieces. This makes every mouthful perfectly balanced and easy to enjoy whether you’re using it in a sandwich or on a salad bed.
Step 3: Combine the Mix-Ins
In a medium bowl, toss together your diced chicken, dried cranberries, celery, finely minced shallot, and chopped pecans. This combination brings together a yummy mix of sweet, savory, crisp, and crunchy notes that define this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe’s signature vibe.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Dressing
Pour in 3/4 cup of mayonnaise and gently fold everything until it’s evenly coated. Feel free to tweak the mayo quantity if you prefer your salad more or less creamy—the key is a luscious yet light texture that binds the flavors.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or adjust to your own taste buds. Seasoning is crucial as it wakes up all the ingredients and ties the salad together harmoniously.
Step 6: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. This resting time lets the flavors mingle and develop, ensuring your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe hits all the right notes when you serve it.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, your salad is ready to shine. Whether piled high on fresh bread for a sandwich, set over a bed of crisp greens, or eaten straight from the bowl, it’s a dish that promises satisfaction with every bite.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a few whole dried cranberries on top add a finishing touch that makes the presentation pop. A sprig of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge on the side can also brighten the look and add a hint of freshness at first bite.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crunchy crackers, pita chips, or even a side of sliced apples or pears to complement the nutty and fruity tones. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a warm soup or grilled vegetables to round out your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling a bit fancy or hosting guests, try hollowing out a crisp apple or serving the salad inside a toasted croissant for a delightful twist. Wine glasses or small mason jars also make for charming, individual salad servings that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad stays fresh for up to three days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or a quick lunch option during the week.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and celery, freezing isn’t recommended for this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe—the texture tends to suffer. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled rather than frozen.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be eaten cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it at room temperature, simply take it out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the flavors gently.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey works wonderfully in this salad and carries the flavors just as well. Just make sure it’s cooked and diced similarly to the chicken.
Is there a lighter alternative to mayonnaise?
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo for a tangier and lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
Can I add fresh herbs to this salad?
Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or tarragon can add a lovely aromatic note that complements the pecans and cranberries beautifully.
What if I don’t have pecans?
No pecans? Walnuts or almonds are excellent substitutes that provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
Chilling for at least one hour is ideal to let the flavors meld, but if you’re in a hurry, even 30 minutes can make a noticeable difference.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and vibrant about this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe that makes it a total winner to keep in your recipe collection. It’s simple enough for a quick lunch but special enough to impress guests or brighten your weekly meals. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how beautifully the sweet, crunchy, and creamy elements come together in every bite!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (if cooking chicken)
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of tender cooked chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and refreshing celery, all brought together by a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Perfectly seasoned and chilled, it makes an ideal filling for sandwiches, a topping for fresh greens, or a satisfying standalone dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1 shallot (finely minced)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: If you don’t have leftover cooked chicken, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then bake them at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cool and Dice: Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then dice it into bite-sized pieces suitable for salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the diced chicken, dried cranberries, diced celery, finely minced shallot, and chopped pecans.
- Add Mayonnaise: Pour 3/4 cup of mayonnaise into the bowl and gently fold it through the salad ingredients, adjusting the mayo quantity based on your desired creaminess.
- Season: Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to the mixture, stirring gently to incorporate and adjusting to taste if necessary.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the salad chill thoroughly.
- Serve: After chilling, serve the cranberry pecan chicken salad as a sandwich filling, on a bed of fresh greens, or enjoy it alone as a light meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative, though the texture and flavor will be different.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing.
- Leftover chicken can be from rotisserie or poached chicken breasts.
- Toast pecans lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
