Can I make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, to maintain the crunchiness of the pecans, it's best to add them just before serving.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt for something else?

If you prefer not to use Greek yogurt, you can swap it for light sour cream or even a mayonnaise-based dressing. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based yogurt or vegan mayo.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe, especially if you have leftovers. It saves time and adds a delicious, smoky flavor to the salad.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Quick & Easy Recipe (15 Minutes)

Description

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that come together in a refreshing, healthy dish perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing. Whether you serve it on a croissant for lunch, as a filling for wraps, or as a stand-alone dish, this chicken salad is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, pulled
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 tbsp red onion, minced
1/2 apple, chopped
1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp fresh parsley, minced
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted or candied

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, apple, and dried cranberries.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Just before serving, fold in the toasted or candied pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding a little extra Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing.
If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time, keep the pecans separate until just before serving to maintain their crunch.
This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, avoid freezing it as the yogurt-based dressing may lose its texture when thawed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 7/8 cup)
Calories: 191 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 456 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.01 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 47 mg