Description

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful, easy-to-make dish perfect for quick meals or gatherings. Combining tender shredded chicken with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Serve it on croissants, rolls, or enjoy on its own for a satisfying and refreshing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

2 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (2 chicken breasts or 14 ounces cooked chicken)
½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
⅓ cup pecans, chopped
⅓ cup celery, diced (1 stalk)
¼ cup green onion, chopped (2 pieces)

Dressing

¾ cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Chop chicken, pecans, dried cranberries, celery, and green onions into small, bite-sized pieces for even mixing and better texture.
Combine Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onion. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly before adding the dressing.
Make Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and homogeneous.
Combine Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Serve: Scoop the chicken salad onto croissants, rolls, or serve it on its own as a refreshing, tasty dish. Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise to reduce fat and add a tangy twist.
Add chopped apples or grapes for a fruitier variation.
Use toasted pecans for enhanced crunch and flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American