Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a deliciously creamy and crunchy mix of shredded rotisserie chicken, sweet dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crisp celery, all coated in a flavorful paprika-mayo dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served with crackers, this salad combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in a refreshing dish that’s quick to prepare and ideal for lunches or light dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes (optional pecan toasting)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Salad
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (craisins)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all the spices are fully incorporated, creating a smooth and flavorful dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped celery, pecans, dried cranberries, and green onions. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the salad.
- Optional Toasting Pecans: For added depth and crunch, toast the pecans before adding them. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the pecans, and stir regularly for 4 to 6 minutes, or until they darken at the edges and emit a fragrant, nutty aroma. Let cool before mixing into the salad.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry pecan chicken salad chilled on a bed of fresh salad greens, in sandwiches, or alongside crackers for a versatile and satisfying meal or snack.
Notes
- Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds crunch, but you can skip this step if short on time.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal prep.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add other nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, serve the salad with gluten-free bread or crackers.
Keywords: chicken salad, cranberry pecan chicken salad, rotisserie chicken recipe, easy chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, no-cook chicken salad, holiday chicken salad
