Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped The main ingredients in this salad pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. The cooked chicken breast provides protein, while fresh spinach adds vitamins. Dried cranberries give a sweet burst, and pecans add a nice crunch. - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and pepper, to taste The dressing makes this salad shine. Greek yogurt keeps it creamy while being healthy. Mayonnaise adds richness. Honey balances the tanginess of Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Salt and pepper round out the flavors. - Mixed greens - Arugula For serving, you can use mixed greens or arugula. These greens add extra color and texture to your dish. They also enhance the taste and make it more appealing. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Use a gentle tossing motion to mix everything evenly. Be careful not to break the spinach too much. This step helps create a colorful and tasty base for your salad. Next, grab a smaller bowl for the dressing. Whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. You want to avoid any lumps. This dressing adds a creamy and zesty flavor to the salad. Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece of chicken and vegetable with the dressing. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For the best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, you can place the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens or arugula. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful dish! Adjusting seasoning is key to a great salad. After mixing your ingredients, taste it. If it needs more flavor, add salt or pepper. You can also add a bit more lemon juice for brightness. Each bite should sing with flavor. Presentation matters! Use extra chopped pecans and cranberries as garnishes. They add color and texture. Place your salad on a bed of mixed greens or arugula for a lovely display. A sprinkle of these garnishes makes each plate pop. You can even add lemon wedges on the side. They give a fresh touch when guests squeeze them over their salad. Chilling your salad is essential for great flavor. I recommend a minimum chill time of 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well. The longer you chill, the better it gets. So, if you have time, let it sit in the fridge for an hour or more before serving. Your patience will pay off! Pro Tips Chicken Choice: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option, saving you time on cooking and shredding. Nut Variation: If you're allergic to pecans, substitute with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch without compromising flavor. Chill Time: For optimal flavor, let the salad chill for at least one hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serving Suggestions: Pair this salad with whole grain crackers or serve it as a sandwich filling for a delightful lunch option. {{image_4}} You can make this salad healthier by changing the dressing. Instead of mayonnaise, try using more Greek yogurt. This cuts fat and adds protein. You can also use avocado instead of chicken for a tasty vegan option. Just mash it up and mix it in! Adding seasonal fruits makes this salad pop. In fall, add diced apples or pears for crunch and sweetness. In summer, try fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a vibrant twist. You can switch out spinach for kale in winter for a heartier feel. There are fun ways to serve this salad. You can stuff it in a pita for a quick lunch. Or, try serving it on cucumber slices for a refreshing bite. For a fancy touch, serve it in lettuce cups as a light appetizer. Each method adds a unique flair to your meal! Store your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure to place it in the fridge as soon as possible. It stays good for about three days. If you notice any change in smell or color, it's best to toss it. You can freeze this salad, but it’s not the best choice. The texture of the chicken and spinach may change. If you want to freeze it, store the salad without dressing. Use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before eating. To refresh the salad before serving, simply give it a good stir. If it seems dry, add a bit more dressing. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice on top to brighten the flavors. Avoid using heat as it may change the salad's fresh taste. Enjoy it cold for the best experience! Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will blend well, and it will taste even better the next day. Just remember to add any greens right before serving to keep them fresh. If you need to store leftovers, eat them within 3 days for the best taste. If you want a non-dairy option, try using silken tofu. It gives a smooth texture. Another great swap is sour cream, which adds a nice tang. For a lighter choice, consider using low-fat yogurt. Each option brings a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment! This salad stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Watch out for changes in smell or texture, as these can be signs of spoilage. If the salad looks watery or has an off smell, it’s best to toss it out. Always store it in a sealed container to keep it fresh longer. This article covered how to make a tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. We looked at the main ingredients, the dressing, and optional items to serve it with. I shared steps to prepare, tips for flavor, and storage advice. You can even play with variations to keep things fresh. Enjoy trying this salad as a meal or a side dish. Remember, it's flexible, so make it your own. Happy cooking!$

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

A refreshing and flavorful chicken salad with cranberries and pecans, perfect for a light meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
0.5 cup dried cranberries
0.5 cup pecans, roughly chopped
0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
to taste Salt and pepper
optional mixed greens or arugula for serving

Instructions

In a generous mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken breast, roughly chopped spinach, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Use a gentle tossing motion to blend these ingredients evenly without breaking the spinach too much.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the chicken mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken and vegetable is coated with the dressing for a rich flavor.
Take a moment to taste your creation, and if desired, adjust the seasoning by adding extra salt and pepper according to your preference.
For the best flavor development, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the salad in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
When it's time to serve, you have two delightful options: plate the chicken salad on a vibrant bed of mixed greens or arugula, or thoughtfully arrange it in individual bowls.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, garnish each serving with additional chopped pecans and a sprinkle of fresh cranberries. Serve alongside lemon wedges for a zesty flair.

Keyword chicken salad, cranberries, healthy, pecans