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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 cup celery, finely diced - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped The main ingredients create a tasty mix. Shredded chicken adds protein. Celery brings a nice crunch. Dried cranberries give a sweet touch. Pecans add a nutty flavor that complements the salad. - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon honey - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder The dressing makes this salad shine. Greek yogurt or mayonnaise gives creaminess. Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar brings brightness. Honey balances flavors with sweetness. Garlic powder enhances taste without being overpowering. - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh mixed greens for serving Seasoning is key for flavor. Use salt and pepper according to your taste. Serving on fresh mixed greens makes the dish light and fresh. You can also serve it in wraps or sandwiches. I love to keep things simple yet delicious. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by gathering your ingredients. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, finely diced celery, dried cranberries, and coarsely chopped pecans. This gives the salad a great mix of textures. Gently mix these ingredients together. You want everything to blend nicely without crushing the pecans or cranberries. Next, grab a smaller bowl for the dressing. Whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and garlic powder. This step is crucial for getting a smooth texture. Keep whisking until it looks creamy and well blended. Taste it to ensure it has the right balance. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or pepper. Now it's time to combine the salad mixture with the dressing. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the chicken salad mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss everything together. Make sure every piece is coated in that delicious dressing. After mixing, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chill time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. For a tasty twist, you can serve this on fresh mixed greens, in wraps, or even as a sandwich filling. Enjoy! If you're looking for the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. If you want to change things up, you have options. You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or cottage cheese. Both will add creaminess. If you prefer mayonnaise, try avocado instead. It gives a nice flavor and healthy fats. For nuts, pecans are great, but walnuts or almonds work too. They add crunch and taste. If you want a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These will still give you that satisfying bite. Balancing sweetness and saltiness is key. If your salad is too sweet, add a little salt. This can help the flavors pop. If it’s too salty, a drizzle of honey or some cranberries can help. You can also add toppings to enhance the flavor. Chopped green onions or fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy twist. For more texture, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top. There are many fun ways to serve this salad. You can place it over a bed of fresh greens. Spinach or arugula make great choices. If you want something different, use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. It’s perfect for lunch on the go. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of whole grain crackers or a light soup. Pairing it with a crisp white wine can elevate the dining experience. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. {{image_4}} You can make this salad lighter. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It cuts calories but keeps creaminess. Greek yogurt adds protein too. You can also add more veggies. Try carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. These will boost nutrition and add color. If you want a change, swap chicken for turkey or tofu. Tofu gives a nice texture and is great for vegetarians. Turkey has a similar flavor and is leaner too. Both options keep the salad tasty and filling. You can change this salad with seasonal ingredients. In summer, add fresh berries or peaches. These fruits will add sweetness and freshness. For winter, try apples or pears. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also brighten up the dish. This way, you keep the recipe fun and exciting all year round. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to make this flavorful dish. To keep your cranberry pecan chicken salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep the salad crisp and tasty. Make sure to cover the salad tightly. If you use plastic wrap, press it down to remove air gaps. This keeps moisture in and makes the salad last longer. You can freeze portions of the salad too. Place it in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When you want to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Avoid using the microwave, as it can change the texture. Once thawed, mix it well before serving to revive the flavors. In the fridge, your salad will last for about 3 to 4 days. Check for signs that it has gone bad. If it smells sour or looks slimy, it’s time to toss it out. Always trust your senses. Keeping track of the date you made it can help you enjoy it at its best. To make this salad lighter, swap Greek yogurt for full-fat mayonnaise. You can also use less honey. Add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots to boost fiber. A mix of greens also adds nutrients. Try using less salt or use herbs for flavor. Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. This makes it great for meal prep. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep it crisp. This salad pairs well with whole grain bread or crackers. You can also enjoy it with a side of fresh fruit. A light soup or a green salad complements it nicely too. For a hearty meal, serve it with quinoa or brown rice. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a tasty choice that's easy to make. We went through the ingredients, dressing, and mixing steps. You learned tips for flavor and storage. Remember, you can make it healthier or swap proteins based on your needs. This flexible dish suits any season and can be a great meal prep option. Enjoy making your own version, and share it with friends!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Create a delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad that’s perfect for any meal! This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries in a creamy yogurt dressing, making it a healthy choice for lunches or picnics. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 cup celery, finely diced

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise, for creaminess)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon honey (to add a touch of sweetness)

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (to enhance flavor)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh mixed greens for serving (like spinach, arugula, or a spring mix)

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, start by combining the shredded or diced chicken, finely diced celery, dried cranberries, and coarsely chopped pecans. Mix these ingredients gently to ensure an even distribution.

    In a separate smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

      Drizzle the creamy dressing over the chicken salad mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss the ingredients together until each piece is coated with the dressing, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.

        Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you desire a little more savory or sweet flavor, feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or honey according to your preference.

          Once well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

            To serve, arrange a generous portion of the chicken salad on a bed of fresh mixed greens. Alternatively, you can use this salad as a filling for wraps or sandwiches for a delightful meal on the go.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, garnish the salad with additional pecans and cranberries on top, and consider drizzling a little honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and flavor.