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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make no-cook recipe perfect for a light lunch or festive gathering. Featuring a delightful blend of shredded chicken, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy Dijon-mustard mayo dressing, this salad is both flavorful and satisfying. Serve chilled on croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded or chopped cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, finely chopped celery, and red onion until evenly distributed.
  2. Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
  4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly before serving.
  5. Serve: Enjoy the salad chilled, either on croissants, sandwich bread, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or accompanied by crackers for a versatile and tasty meal or snack.

Notes

  • Rotisserie chicken is ideal for quick preparation and adds great flavor.
  • Add chopped apples or grapes for extra sweetness and a crunchy texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.