Hey everyone, it’s Anne here from Beyond the Bayou Blog. After years of working in restaurants, I’ve picked up quite a few tricks in the kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share my Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe with you all.
This dish brings back memories of busy lunch shifts and quick meal breaks between serving tables. It’s a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and crunchy that always hits the spot. I love how easy it is to throw together, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick lunch.
The cranberries add a nice zing, while the pecans give it that satisfying crunch. Trust me, this isn’t your average chicken salad. It’s become a go-to in my house, and I hope it’ll be a favorite in yours too. Let’s get cooking!
What Makes This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Special?
- Quick and Easy: Using leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken makes this salad incredibly fast to put together. Perfect for busy days!
- Light and Refreshing: This salad is a great option for a lighter meal, especially after indulging during the holidays. It’s a refreshing change of pace.
- Amazing Dressing: The secret to this salad’s deliciousness is the dressing. Made with simple pantry and fridge staples, it takes just minutes to whip up and elevates the salad from good to great.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
This cranberry pecan chicken salad is perfect for a holiday lunch.
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Calories: 158kcal
Servings: 8
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Spoon
- Small Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 2 stalks of celery diced
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup low calorie mayonnaise or mayonnaise of your choice
- ⅛ teaspoon salt optional
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, onion, cranberries, and pecans.
- Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Add mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to the chicken salad.
- Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce or on whole grain bread.
Nutrition
Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 68IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
Helpful Tips for Making Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad!
- Quick Chicken Prep: For a fast and convenient option, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. If you prefer cooking your own, simmer chicken breasts in chicken broth on the stovetop, or use a slow cooker or oven.
- Perfect Portions: This recipe uses two large chicken breasts, which makes about 8-10 servings of ½ cup each. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Healthier Mayo Alternative: Want to cut down on fat? Swap out half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It’s creamy, tangy, and much lighter.
- Lower Sugar Option: To reduce sugar, opt for reduced-sugar dried cranberries. They add the same sweet-tart flavor with less sugar.
What To Serve With Cranberry And Pecan Chicken Salad?
