Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Creamy cranberry pecan chicken salad with a tangy poppy seed dressing – perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a quick snack!
This cranberry pecan chicken salad is a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavours, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
With tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted pecans tossed in a tangy poppy seed dressing, it’s both hearty and refreshing. Whether served over greens, in a sandwich, or as a snack with crackers, this salad is sure to impress.
Ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick lunch, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Tips for Making the BEST Chicken Salad
- Use High-Quality Chicken: Freshly cooked chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken ensures tender and flavourful results. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Balance Textures: Include crunchy elements like nuts or celery, chewy bits like dried fruit, and creamy dressing for a satisfying mix.
- Season Well: Adjust salt and vinegar levels carefully. A pinch of garlic or onion powder can elevate the flavour.
- Toast the Nuts: Lightly toast pecans (or your chosen nuts) to enhance their flavour and add extra crunch.
- Chill for Flavour: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to meld flavours before serving.
- Cut Uniform Pieces: Chop ingredients into similar-sized pieces for consistent bites and an appealing presentation.
- Customize the Dressing: Taste as you go and adjust sweetness, acidity, or creaminess to suit your preference. Add a teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard for depth.
- Fresh Herbs: Add chopped parsley, dill, or chives for a burst of freshness.
- Mix Gently: Fold the ingredients together carefully to avoid breaking down the chicken or crushing other components.
- Serve Fresh: Chicken salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but it can last up to 3 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
- On Greens: Serve over a bed of fresh lettuce, spinach, or arugula for a light and healthy meal. Add sliced avocado or cucumber for extra texture.
- In a Sandwich: Spread between slices of hearty bread, a croissant, or a wrap. Add lettuce, tomato, or sliced cheese for extra layers.
- With Crackers: Pair with your favourite crackers or pita chips for a shareable appetizer or quick snack.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Spoon the salad into hollowed-out bell peppers, tomatoes, or avocado halves for an elegant presentation.
- On Toast: Top thick slices of toasted sourdough or multigrain bread for an easy open-faced option.
- In a Wrap: Roll it into a tortilla with fresh greens and shredded carrots for a portable lunch.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess; substitute with Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and mayo for a lighter option.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness; replace with Greek yogurt, crème fraîche, or more mayonnaise.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides a mild, fruity acidity; use lemon juice, white vinegar, or rice vinegar for similar brightness.
- Poppy seeds: Offer a subtle crunch and visual appeal; omit if desired.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavour; consider adding garlic or onion powder for extra depth.
- Chicken breast: Forms the protein base; use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Pecans: Add crunch and nuttiness; substitute with walnuts, almonds, or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
- Dried cranberries: Provide sweetness and chewy texture; replace with raisins, dried cherries, or diced apricots.
- Red onion: Brings sharpness and color; swap with shallots, green onions, or sweet onion for a milder taste.
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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Yields: 4-6 servings | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt, to taste
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
Directions:
Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and salt. Adjust salt to taste. (Images 1 & 2)
Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, pecans, dried cranberries, and red onion.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve over greens, on a sandwich, or with crackers.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Creamy cranberry pecan chicken salad with a tangy poppy seed dressing – perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a quick snack!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt, to taste
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and salt. Adjust salt to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, pecans, dried cranberries, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve over greens, on a sandwich, or with crackers.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 475Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 287mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 3gSugar: 12gProtein: 31g
This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!
