Description
Cranberry pecan chicken salad brings Mediterranean flair to classic lunch fare. Juicy chicken mingles with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a refreshing blend that promises delightful flavor in each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 cups (710 ml) shredded chicken
Fruit and Nuts:
- ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans
Vegetables and Seasoning:
- ½ cup (75 g) chopped celery
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) sugar
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) black pepper
Instructions
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, ensuring uniform texture and easy consumption.
- Finely dice the celery to provide a crisp, refreshing crunch throughout the salad mixture.
- Roughly chop the pecans to create varied texture and prevent oversized nut pieces that might disrupt the salad’s consistency.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped celery, and pecan pieces, tossing ingredients to distribute evenly.
- Prepare the creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice, adding a touch of sugar to balance acidity, and seasoning with salt and black pepper until smooth and well integrated.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture, carefully folding and stirring to ensure each ingredient is thoroughly coated and flavors are harmoniously blended.
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, which enhances the overall taste profile.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
- Serve chilled on soft croissants, whole grain bread, or alongside crisp crackers for a versatile and satisfying meal option.
- Refrigerate any remaining salad in an airtight container, consuming within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Elevate your chicken salad game with this sweet and crunchy combination of juicy shredded chicken, tart dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
- Chilling the salad for a few hours allows the flavors to develop and intensify, creating a more delectable and harmonious taste profile.
- Versatile dish that works perfectly as a sandwich filling, salad topper, or crowd-pleasing dip for gatherings and quick lunches.
- Mayonnaise dressing featuring lemon juice adds a bright, tangy kick that balances the richness of the chicken and nuts.
- Keep leftovers fresh by storing in an airtight container, enjoying within three days for optimal flavor and texture.
- Select high-quality, crisp celery and freshly toasted pecans to enhance the overall crunch and nutty dimension of the salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 705
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 244 mg
- Fat: 59 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 44 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 101 mg