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To make cranberry pecan chicken salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, diced - 1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped - 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 (arugula, spinach, and romaine) This salad is not just tasty; it is also good for you. Each serving has about: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 20g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 3g This dish offers a nice balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a great meal option. You can customize this salad to suit your taste. Here are some easy swaps: - Use pecans instead of walnuts for a different nut flavor. - Swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier texture. - Try fresh cranberries if they are in season. - Replace celery with cucumber for a crunchier bite. - Use mustard of your choice if Dijon is not available. These substitutions maintain the salad's fresh taste while giving you a chance to explore different flavors. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need 2 cups of diced cooked chicken. I like using leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe. Next, take 1 cup of walnuts. Make sure they are toasted and roughly chopped. Then, grab 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, walnuts, cranberries, celery, and red onion. Mix them gently but well. This step helps to blend the flavors. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This dressing adds a zesty kick to your salad. Now, pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together. Make sure every piece is coated with the dressing. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. For serving, place a handful of mixed greens on each plate. Top it with a generous scoop of the chicken salad. You can even garnish with extra cranberries and walnuts for a beautiful finish. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish! To make your cranberry pecan chicken salad pop, focus on fresh ingredients. Use ripe, juicy chicken for the best taste. Toast your walnuts before adding them. This step brings out their rich flavor. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a nice touch too. They give your salad a fresh burst. If you like a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve this salad on a bed of mixed greens. The crunch of arugula, spinach, and romaine makes every bite exciting. You can also serve it in a wrap or on a sandwich. For a heartier meal, pair it with crusty bread or a light soup. To impress guests, garnish with extra cranberries and walnuts. This small touch makes your dish look stunning. Making this salad in advance is easy. Store the salad and dressing separately to keep it fresh. Mix them just before serving. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time. Make sure to cool it before storage. This salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh longer. Enjoy your meal prep and feel like a chef! {{image_2}} You can make your cranberry pecan chicken salad even better by adding fun extras. Try some diced apples for crunch and sweetness. You can also add shredded carrots for color and texture. If you love cheese, sprinkle some feta or goat cheese on top. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a bright flavor too. Experimenting with these extras can make your salad unique and delicious. If you want to switch things up, try different dressings. Instead of Greek yogurt, you could use a simple olive oil and vinegar mix. A creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing works well too. If you want a tangy twist, a balsamic vinaigrette is a great choice. Each dressing brings its own flavor to the salad, so feel free to explore what you like best. You can make this salad vegetarian or even vegan. Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken for protein. Swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt or a tahini dressing. You can also skip the honey and use maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness. These changes keep the salad tasty while fitting different diets. You can keep cranberry pecan chicken salad at room temperature for about two hours. After that, harmful bacteria may grow. If it's a hot day, reduce that time to just one hour. Store leftover cranberry pecan chicken salad in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep it from drying out. Freezing this salad is not the best option. The texture can change once thawed. If you must freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then stir well before serving. You can store cranberry pecan chicken salad in the fridge for three to four days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to enjoy it later, check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. Yes, you can use canned chicken for this recipe. Drain the chicken well before adding it to the salad. Canned chicken can save time, but it may not have the same flavor as fresh cooked chicken. Try to season it well to enhance the taste. Cranberry pecan chicken salad pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Whole grain bread or rolls - Fresh fruit salad - A light soup, like tomato or vegetable - Crispy potato chips or crackers These sides add balance and make a complete meal. Enjoy! This post covered all the key parts of making cranberry pecan chicken salad. We explored the ingredients, how to prepare it, and tips to get the best flavor. I shared variations for extra taste and made sure to include storage tips. Remember, you can easily customize this salad to fit your tastes. Whether you try new dressings or add extra veggies, the options are endless. Enjoy making this salad and sharing it with friends and family!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Discover the perfect blend of flavors with this delicious cranberry pecan chicken salad! Made with tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries, this easy recipe is a nutritious meal ready in just 15 minutes. Toss it with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing and serve it on a bed of fresh mixed greens for a delightful lunch or dinner. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy this satisfying dish today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, diced

1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

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 (arugula, spinach, and romaine)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, chopped celery, and red onion.

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

      Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold until all the ingredients are coated evenly.

        Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.

          To serve, place a generous handful of mixed greens on each plate and top with a heaping scoop of the cranberry pecan chicken salad.

            Optional: garnish with additional cranberries and walnuts for extra flair.

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