Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
8 Servings
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Calories
259 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad combines chopped cooked chicken with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, celery, and green onions for a mix of textures and flavors. The salad is coated in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and seasonings including salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toasting the pecans before chopping enhances their flavor and crispness, balancing the soft textures of the chicken and vegetables.
The sweet undertones from honey and cranberries contrast with the tangy lemon juice, while celery and green onion contribute freshness and crunch. The dressing is mixed separately and then combined with the salad ingredients to ensure an even coat.
This chicken salad is versatile for serving; it pairs well with croissants, rolls, or can be enjoyed on its own. The balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors makes it a good option for lunch or light dinner. Leftover salad can be stored chilled for a few days.
Toasting pecans is simple and involves heating them lightly in a pan with a touch of cooking spray until fragrant and lightly browned. This step improves the texture and flavor of the pecans in the salad.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups chicken 2 chicken breasts or 14 ounces cooked chicken, cooked
- ½ cup dried cranberries roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup pecans chopped
- ⅓ cup celery 1 stalk, diced
- ¼ cup green onion chopped, 2 pieces
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Chop the chicken, pecans, cranberries, celery and green onions into small bite sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, add chicken, chopped pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onion and mix together well.
- In a second smaller bowl, add mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Blend this mixture well with a whisk or fork.
- Pour the dressing mixture over chicken mixture. With a spoon, mix in the dressing until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Scoop and enjoy! Add to croissants or fluffy rolls or enjoy all by itself.
Notes
- Toasting pecans before adding them enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture.
- Use cooked chicken breasts and chop them into bite-sized pieces for even mixing.
- This salad can be served in sandwiches using croissants or rolls or enjoyed on its own.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container and consume within a few days for best freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 259 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 259kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.04g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 39mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 338mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 223mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 80IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 12mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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