Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal? Look no further! This chicken salad with cranberries and pecans recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend lunch. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both easy and impressive, delivering a delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Forget those boring sandwiches; this recipe elevates the classic chicken salad to a whole new level of taste and texture. This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1 large breast)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons celery, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breast. Grilling, baking, or boiling all work well. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing. This ensures your salad doesn't become watery.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, cranberries, pecans, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing, as this can make the chicken salad mushy. A few gentle folds are all you need to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
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Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your chicken salad on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce cups, or as a filling for bell peppers. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
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High-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a significant difference in the overall taste of your chicken salad.
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Don't Overmix: As mentioned earlier, overmixing can result in a less desirable texture. Gentle folding is key.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Dijon mustard.
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Make it Ahead: This chicken salad is even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it in advance.
Variations:
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
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Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Replace the mayonnaise with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette for a lighter, tangier version.
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Different Nuts: Walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
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Added Greens: Incorporate some chopped spinach or arugula for an extra boost of nutrients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients for the most accurate results.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This chicken salad with cranberries and pecans recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that don't require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!