Description
Cranberry pecan chicken salad delivers a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and crunchy pecans create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Fruits and Nuts:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Dressing and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare chicken by cooking through boiling, grilling, or baking until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cool chicken completely, then transform into bite-sized pieces using knife or fork.
- Assemble salad components in spacious mixing vessel, integrating diced chicken, vibrant dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and sharp red onion. Delicately intermingle ingredients for balanced distribution.
- Craft creamy dressing by whisking Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and tangy lemon juice until silky and homogeneous. Enhance with pinches of salt and pepper according to preference.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over salad mixture, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating without crushing delicate ingredients.
- Seal container with secure lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes. Chilling allows flavors to harmonize and intensify, creating more robust taste profile.
- Prior to serving, optionally embellish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for aromatic garnish. Present chilled salad as refreshing, protein-packed meal or elegant side dish.
Notes
- Swap yogurt for vegan alternatives like coconut or almond-based yogurt to create a plant-based version of this protein-packed salad.
- Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.
- Experiment with different herbs like tarragon or dill instead of parsley to introduce unique flavor profiles and keep the salad exciting.
- Reduce mayonnaise quantity and increase Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing that cuts down on calories without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg