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- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped The main ingredients in this salad bring flavor and texture. The shredded chicken provides protein, making this dish filling. Dried cranberries add a sweet touch that balances the savory chicken. Pecans give a nice crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey For the dressing, I choose Greek yogurt for creaminess. It’s a healthier option than mayonnaise. Dijon mustard adds a bit of tang, while honey brings sweetness. This mix creates a light and tasty dressing that coats the salad well. - 1/4 cup celery, finely sliced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 cups mixed greens (for serving) Adding celery and red onion gives the salad crunch and bite. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Serving this salad on mixed greens adds freshness and color. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section, but these ingredients are key to making a delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, roughly chopped pecans, finely sliced celery, and finely chopped red onion. Mix these ingredients well. This step forms the hearty base of your salad. The chicken gives protein, while cranberries and pecans add sweetness and crunch. In a separate small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. This dressing adds a tangy flavor and brings all the salad ingredients together. It’s simple but makes a big difference in taste. Now, pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad! To make your salad stand out, serve it in individual bowls. Sprinkle extra chopped pecans and cranberries on top for a burst of color and crunch. A lemon wedge on the side adds a refreshing touch. Pair this salad with crusty bread or a light soup for a full meal. You can also serve it in a sandwich wrap for a tasty lunch option. If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily swap out ingredients. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or cutting back if you prefer less. If you want more acidity, try adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. To save time, shred the chicken ahead of time. You can also chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. This makes meal prep quicker on busy days. For the best flavor, make the salad a few hours in advance and chill it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For the full recipe, visit the recipe section above. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even better by adding seasonal fruits or veggies. In spring, try fresh strawberries or snap peas. In summer, add diced peaches or cucumbers. In fall, sliced apples or roasted butternut squash work great. In winter, consider using pomegranate seeds or citrus fruits. These additions not only enhance flavor but also add color and texture. If you want a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Tofu provides protein and absorbs flavors well. To prepare tofu, press it to remove excess water, then cube it. You can also use canned chickpeas for quick prep. Both options keep the salad hearty and satisfying. To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs or spices. Chopped parsley or cilantro can add freshness. A sprinkle of cumin or smoked paprika can bring warmth. For a zesty kick, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce. These enhancements can transform your salad into a unique dish that suits your taste. For the full recipe, check the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad section. To keep your cranberry pecan chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to place it in the fridge right after you make it. This salad stays good for about three days. When storing, try to keep the dressing separate if possible. This helps maintain the crispness of the greens and other ingredients. You can freeze the chicken salad components separately. First, freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed bag. For the pecans and cranberries, use small containers. Keep the dressing in a separate container too. When you are ready to eat, you can take them out and thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you freeze the salad, don’t heat the whole salad at once. It's best to thaw the chicken first. You can use the microwave for a quick reheat. Just make sure to check the chicken frequently. You want it warm but not dry. Toss everything together once thawed, and enjoy your fresh salad again! You can find the full recipe for this delightful dish to guide you through the process. You can use plain dairy-free yogurt. Almond or coconut yogurt works well. Silken tofu blended until smooth is another option. These swaps keep the salad creamy and tasty without dairy. If you want fewer calories, try low-fat sour cream or cottage cheese. These alternatives still give a nice tangy flavor. Your salad will stay fresh for about three to four days. Keep it in an airtight container to avoid drying out. If you see any mold or an off smell, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses. When in doubt, toss it out! Yes, using leftover chicken is a great idea! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly, too. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes meal prep easy and quick. Plus, it saves time and reduces waste in your kitchen. Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad without the fuss! For the full recipe, check the main article. This blog post covered a tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad recipe. We explored main ingredients like chicken, cranberries, and pecans, as well as a simple Greek yogurt dressing. I provided tips for serving, ingredient swaps, and variations to suit your taste. In the end, this salad is not only delicious but also flexible. With a few tweaks, you can make it your own. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with others!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Discover the perfect blend of flavors with this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad! Packed with shredded chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet dried cranberries, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for lunch or dinner. Toss it together in just 15 minutes and serve it on mixed greens or in a sandwich for a delightful meal. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/4 cup celery, finely sliced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups mixed greens (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

      Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.

        Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

          Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens, or place in a sandwich for a delicious wrap.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in individual bowls with a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans and cranberries on top for added color and texture. A lemon wedge on the side can add a refreshing touch.