Description
Cranberry pecan chicken salad combines sweet and savory flavors in a delightful midday meal. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and tangy poppy seed dressing create a perfect balance that satisfies hungry diners craving something fresh and light.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Salad Components:
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and roast chicken breasts for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked and juicy.
- Allow chicken to cool completely, then use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized, tender pieces.
- Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and enhance their nutty flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, crisp diced celery, and finely chopped red onion for a balanced texture and sharp flavor profile.
- Gently fold in dried cranberries and toasted pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the chicken mixture.
- Prepare the poppy seed dressing by whisking mayonnaise, greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a separate small bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Season the dressing with salt, black pepper, and poppy seeds, stirring to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Drizzle the creamy poppy seed dressing over the chicken salad, gently tossing to coat all ingredients with the tangy, sweet dressing.
- Serve the chicken salad atop a bed of fresh mixed salad greens, creating a vibrant and nutritious meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
Notes
- Boost Protein by Substituting Greek Yogurt: Replace some mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt to increase protein content and reduce overall fat while maintaining creamy texture.
- Make Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free mayonnaise and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions.
- Create Lighter Version: Swap traditional mayonnaise with avocado or mashed Greek yogurt to develop a healthier, lower-calorie alternative without compromising flavor.
- Enhance Meal Prep Potential: Prepare chicken salad in advance and store separately from greens to maintain crisp texture, keeping refrigerated for up to 3-4 days in sealed container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg