Description

This Cranberry Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken with sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Tossed in a creamy honey-lemon dressing and served over fresh mixed greens, it makes a perfect light lunch or a satisfying dinner option with a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (Approx. 300g)
1 medium apple, diced (Approx. 150g)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (Approx. 75g)
1/2 cup pecans, chopped (Approx. 60g)
4 cups mixed greens or lettuce (For serving)

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise (Approx. 60g; can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the chicken: Cook your chicken by boiling, baking, or grilling until fully cooked. Allow it to cool and then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Combine salad ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced apple, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Toss gently to mix all ingredients.
Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toss salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Chill the salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: When ready to serve, place a bed of mixed greens or lettuce on each plate and top with the cranberry apple pecan chicken salad.

Notes

For a healthier dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
Toasted pecans add extra crunch and a deeper nutty flavor.
This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated.
Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Serves well as a filling for sandwiches or wraps as well.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cooking chicken from raw)
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup of chicken salad with greens)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Chicken salad, cranberry chicken salad, apple pecan salad, healthy chicken recipe, easy salad, lunch salad