Craving a meal that's both refreshingly light and packed with flavor? Our Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is your answer! This vibrant dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights, effortless lunches, or a delightful addition to any gathering. With tender chicken, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and the irresistible crunch of toasted pecans, all brought together by a creamy, zesty dressing, it's a taste sensation you'll want to make again and again.
Say goodbye to bland meals and hello to a gourmet-tasting salad without the fuss. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is incredibly simple to follow, promising delicious results every time. Let's dive into creating your new favorite quick meal!
Why This 15-Minute Chicken Salad Will Be Your Go-To
This isn't just any chicken salad; it's a harmonious blend of textures and tastes designed to excite your palate. The rich, savory chicken finds its perfect counterpart in the chewy sweetness of cranberries and the buttery crunch of pecans. Fresh celery and apple add another layer of crispness, while the creamy dressing, brightened with Dijon mustard, ties every ingredient together beautifully.
Beyond its incredible flavor, this chicken salad is remarkably versatile. Serve it in a sandwich, a wrap, or as a protein-rich topping for a green salad. It's also an excellent way to use up leftover cooked chicken, turning potential food waste into a star meal. Plus, it's packed with wholesome ingredients, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious dish.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Salad
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available ingredients. You likely have many of these items in your pantry already, and the rest are easily found at any grocery store. Quality ingredients are key to the best flavor!
- Cooked Chicken: About 2 cups, shredded or diced. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a brilliant time-saver!
- Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped, for that essential refreshing crunch.
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely minced, adds a subtle zing without being overpowering.
- Apple: 1 small, diced (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) for natural sweetness and a juicy bite.
- Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup, offering a chewy, sweet-tart burst in every bite. Did you know cranberries are packed with antioxidants? Learn more about the health benefits of cranberries.
- Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup, plain, adds creaminess and a healthy tang to the dressing.
- Light Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup, for classic richness and a smooth dressing consistency.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon, a vital ingredient that elevates the dressing with its sharp, tangy notes.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for a fresh, herbaceous lift and bright color.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, to deepen the savory undertones of the salad.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, essential for perfect seasoning.
- Toasted Pecans: 1/2 cup, coarsely chopped, providing the signature nutty crunch. Toasting them briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat enhances their flavor significantly!
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Chicken Salad in Minutes
This delightful salad comes together with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a perfect Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad:
Instructions:
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken, celery, red onion, and apple. Shred or dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery, mince the red onion, and dice the apple.
- Step 2: Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Combine the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
- Step 3: Add the main salad components to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold in the prepared chicken, chopped celery, minced red onion, diced apple, and dried cranberries. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Step 4: Just before serving, fold in the toasted pecans. This helps maintain their crisp texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Step 5: Serve immediately or for enhanced flavor, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy this delightful salad on its own, in sandwiches, or with crackers.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Perfect Chicken: If cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, baking or poaching chicken breasts is a great way to ensure tender, juicy results.
- Don't Skip the Toasting: Briefly toasting your pecans truly amplifies their natural, rich flavor and adds a wonderful aromatic quality to the salad.
- Chill for Flavor: While you can enjoy it right away, giving the salad 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
- Customize It: Feel free to adjust the amounts of cranberries, apples, or pecans to suit your personal preference. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add an extra bright note to the dressing.
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Speedy Chicken Salad
The versatility of this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad means it's perfect for almost any occasion. Here are a few favorite serving ideas:
- Classic Sandwiches: Pile it high on a buttery croissant, a soft brioche bun, or your favorite whole-grain bread for a satisfying lunch.
- Light Lettuce Wraps: For a gluten-free and lighter option, scoop generous portions into crisp lettuce cups like butter lettuce or romaine hearts.
- Vibrant Green Salad Topper: Transform a simple bed of mixed greens into a hearty meal by adding a scoop of this flavorful chicken salad. For another refreshing salad idea, try our Delightful Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans: A Refreshing Recipe.
- Appetizer Style: Serve it with an assortment of crackers, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks for an easy party appetizer or snack.
Looking for a heartier main course? Consider exploring our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe for another delicious option.
Conclusion
This Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a testament to how quickly you can create something incredibly delicious and satisfying with minimal effort. Its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, combined with varied textures, makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, adaptable, and a fantastic addition to your regular meal rotation. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite 15-minute recipe!
FAQs
What's the best way to prepare chicken for this salad?
For ultimate convenience, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is ideal. Alternatively, you can boil or bake chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or dice them once they've cooled down.
Can I make ingredient substitutions in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. If you don't have fresh apples, a small amount of apple cider vinegar in the dressing can add a similar bright tang. For a lighter dressing, increase the Greek yogurt ratio or use a low-fat mayonnaise.
How long does Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this chicken salad will keep well for 3-4 days. For the best texture, add the toasted pecans right before serving to maintain their crispness.
What are some recommended ways to serve this chicken salad?
This versatile salad shines in many ways! Enjoy it on its own, scooped into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option, piled high on croissants or whole-grain bread for sandwiches, or served with your favorite crackers or vegetable sticks. It's also a fantastic addition to a bed of fresh mixed greens.
Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A delightful 15-minute chicken salad featuring tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy, zesty dressing, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
1 small apple, diced (Fuji or Honeycrisp recommended)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken, celery, red onion, and apple. Shred or dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery, mince the red onion, and dice the apple.
Step 2: Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Combine the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Add the main salad components to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold in the prepared chicken, chopped celery, minced red onion, diced apple, and dried cranberries. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Just before serving, fold in the toasted pecans. This helps maintain their crisp texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Step 5: Serve immediately or for enhanced flavor, cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy this delightful salad on its own, in sandwiches, or with crackers.
Notes
For best results, toast your pecans right before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor. This salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to fully meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting pecans)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Mixing, No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
