Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans: A Fresh and Flavorful Twist ????????✨
This Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. Packed with tender chicken, tart cranberries, crisp apples, and buttery pecans, it’s a versatile dish that’s great for sandwiches, wraps, or as a standalone salad. Light, refreshing, and easy to prepare, this salad is perfect for lunches, potlucks, or any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory: A delightful mix of flavors and textures.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, or with crackers.
Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 medium apple, diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans
1️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients
- Shred or dice the cooked chicken.
- Dice the apple and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2️⃣ Mix the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Combine the Salad
- Add the chicken, cranberries, diced apple, pecans, celery, and dressing to the bowl.
- Toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
4️⃣ Chill and Serve
- For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Sandwich: Serve between slices of whole-grain bread or in a croissant.
- Wrap: Roll the salad in a tortilla for a quick and portable meal.
- Salad: Serve over a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a lighter option.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Crisp apples and fresh celery add the perfect crunch.
- Customize the Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Make It Healthier: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
This Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans offers a refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad. The combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors makes it a versatile dish that’s sure to impress.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Makes ~4 Servings)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 12g
Craving something light, fresh, and flavorful? Try this Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans for a delicious and versatile meal! ????????✨
