Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Simple and Fresh Recipe

August 7, 2025 by lisa

Looking for a tasty and easy dish? My Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is just what you need! Packed with flavor and crunch, this salad combines tender chicken with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Follow me as I share the simple steps, tips, and variations to make this fresh recipe your own! Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together.

Ingredients

Detailed List of Ingredients

To make a tasty cranberry pecan chicken salad, you need:

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries

– 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Each ingredient plays a role. The chicken adds protein, and the spinach gives vitamins. Dried cranberries offer sweetness, while pecans add crunch. Red onion gives a sharp flavor. Greek yogurt is creamy and healthy. Honey brings in a touch of sweetness, and apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. Salt and pepper help enhance all the flavors.

Optional Ingredients for Variations

You can change things up with these ingredients:

– Chopped celery for extra crunch

– Sliced grapes for more sweetness

– A sprinkle of feta cheese for a salty bite

These options let you make your salad unique. You can mix and match based on your taste or what you have at home.

Nutritional Information

This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.

– Calories: About 320 per serving

– Protein: 30 grams

– Fat: 18 grams

– Carbohydrates: 20 grams

– Fiber: 3 grams

This salad is a great meal choice. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, making it filling. The fiber from spinach and cranberries helps keep you full longer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Method

Start by gathering your ingredients. You need cooked chicken, spinach, cranberries, pecans, and red onion. Chop the spinach and red onion into small pieces. Shred or dice the chicken if it’s not done yet. This step is quick and takes about five minutes.

Mixing and Coating

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, spinach, cranberries, pecans, and red onion. Mix them well. In a smaller bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold the dressing in. Ensure everything is coated evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. Serve it cold for the best taste. You can garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with whole-grain bread or crackers for a full meal. Enjoy your fresh and tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad!

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect the Dressing

To make a great dressing, start with Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and tang. Mix it with honey for sweetness. Honey balances the tartness of cranberries. Apple cider vinegar gives the dressing a nice kick. Whisk until smooth. Taste it; add salt and pepper to your liking. This simple dressing makes the salad shine.

Recommended Cooking Techniques for Chicken

For this salad, use cooked chicken. You can bake, grill, or boil it. Baking gives a nice flavor. Grill it for a smoky touch. Boiling keeps it moist. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it mix well with other ingredients. Always let the chicken cool before adding it to the salad.

Making Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

You can make this salad a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge. The flavors blend better after chilling. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it longer. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. If you want to meal prep, divide it into containers. This makes it easy to grab and go. Enjoy this tasty salad during the week!

Variations

Vegetarian Options

You can make a great vegetarian version of this salad. Swap the chicken for chickpeas or diced tofu. Both options add protein and texture. You can also use roasted veggies like sweet potatoes for more flavor. Add extra spinach or even kale for a nice crunch.

Substitutions for Allergies

If you have nut allergies, skip the pecans. You can try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. Both add a nice crunch without the nuts. For dairy-free options, replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. Look for one that is thick and creamy for the best results.

Seasonal Ingredient Ideas

In spring and summer, add fresh fruits like strawberries or mango. They give a sweet twist and bright color. In fall, consider adding diced apples or pears. They pair well with the cranberries and pecans. For winter, you can use citrus fruits like orange or grapefruit. They add a refreshing taste to the salad.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid is tight. This keeps the salad fresh for up to three days. If you see any moisture, use a paper towel to soak it up first. This helps the salad stay crisp.

Freezing Options

You can freeze this chicken salad, but it may change the texture. Place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw.

Best Practices for Reheating

To reheat, I suggest adding a bit more Greek yogurt. This helps bring back moisture. Warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir it well and check the temperature. If it’s not warm enough, heat it for another 15 seconds. Enjoy your salad chilled or warm, depending on your taste!

FAQs

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can use sour cream or plain yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt. Both options give a similar creamy texture. If you want a dairy-free option, try silken tofu or vegan yogurt. These choices keep the salad smooth and tasty. Remember, each option may change the taste slightly, so pick what you like best.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe! It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred or dice the chicken before mixing it in. This makes your salad quick to prepare and still delicious. You can enjoy the added seasoning from the rotisserie chicken too.

How long does Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad last in the fridge?

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad stays fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it safe to eat and helps maintain its flavor. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it’s best to toss it.

In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making a delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. We shared tips for perfecting the dressing, cooking chicken, and even meal prep ideas. You can also find variations and storage info to suit your needs. Making this salad is easy, and you can customize it to your taste. Enjoy this fresh dish, whether you follow the recipe or adapt it. It’s tasty, versatile, and great for any occasion!

$To make a tasty cranberry pecan chicken salad, you need: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays a role. The chicken adds protein, and the spinach gives vitamins. Dried cranberries offer sweetness, while pecans add crunch. Red onion gives a sharp flavor. Greek yogurt is creamy and healthy. Honey brings in a touch of sweetness, and apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. Salt and pepper help enhance all the flavors. You can change things up with these ingredients: - Chopped celery for extra crunch - Sliced grapes for more sweetness - A sprinkle of feta cheese for a salty bite These options let you make your salad unique. You can mix and match based on your taste or what you have at home. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. - Calories: About 320 per serving - Protein: 30 grams - Fat: 18 grams - Carbohydrates: 20 grams - Fiber: 3 grams This salad is a great meal choice. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, making it filling. The fiber from spinach and cranberries helps keep you full longer. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need cooked chicken, spinach, cranberries, pecans, and red onion. Chop the spinach and red onion into small pieces. Shred or dice the chicken if it’s not done yet. This step is quick and takes about five minutes. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, spinach, cranberries, pecans, and red onion. Mix them well. In a smaller bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold the dressing in. Ensure everything is coated evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. Serve it cold for the best taste. You can garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with whole-grain bread or crackers for a full meal. Enjoy your fresh and tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad! To make a great dressing, start with Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and tang. Mix it with honey for sweetness. Honey balances the tartness of cranberries. Apple cider vinegar gives the dressing a nice kick. Whisk until smooth. Taste it; add salt and pepper to your liking. This simple dressing makes the salad shine. For this salad, use cooked chicken. You can bake, grill, or boil it. Baking gives a nice flavor. Grill it for a smoky touch. Boiling keeps it moist. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it mix well with other ingredients. Always let the chicken cool before adding it to the salad. You can make this salad a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge. The flavors blend better after chilling. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it longer. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. If you want to meal prep, divide it into containers. This makes it easy to grab and go. Enjoy this tasty salad during the week! {{image_2}} You can make a great vegetarian version of this salad. Swap the chicken for chickpeas or diced tofu. Both options add protein and texture. You can also use roasted veggies like sweet potatoes for more flavor. Add extra spinach or even kale for a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, skip the pecans. You can try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. Both add a nice crunch without the nuts. For dairy-free options, replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. Look for one that is thick and creamy for the best results. In spring and summer, add fresh fruits like strawberries or mango. They give a sweet twist and bright color. In fall, consider adding diced apples or pears. They pair well with the cranberries and pecans. For winter, you can use citrus fruits like orange or grapefruit. They add a refreshing taste to the salad. To store your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid is tight. This keeps the salad fresh for up to three days. If you see any moisture, use a paper towel to soak it up first. This helps the salad stay crisp. You can freeze this chicken salad, but it may change the texture. Place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. To reheat, I suggest adding a bit more Greek yogurt. This helps bring back moisture. Warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Stir it well and check the temperature. If it’s not warm enough, heat it for another 15 seconds. Enjoy your salad chilled or warm, depending on your taste! You can use sour cream or plain yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt. Both options give a similar creamy texture. If you want a dairy-free option, try silken tofu or vegan yogurt. These choices keep the salad smooth and tasty. Remember, each option may change the taste slightly, so pick what you like best. Yes, rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe! It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred or dice the chicken before mixing it in. This makes your salad quick to prepare and still delicious. You can enjoy the added seasoning from the rotisserie chicken too. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad stays fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it safe to eat and helps maintain its flavor. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it's best to toss it. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making a delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. We shared tips for perfecting the dressing, cooking chicken, and even meal prep ideas. You can also find variations and storage info to suit your needs. Making this salad is easy, and you can customize it to your taste. Enjoy this fresh dish, whether you follow the recipe or adapt it. It’s tasty, versatile, and great for any occasion!$