Description

A vibrant and satisfying chicken salad featuring fresh cranberries, toasted pecans, and a zesty honey Dijon dressing. Perfect for a quick, light meal with a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
1/3 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Chop the chicken: Dice or shred cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the produce: Finely dice celery, thinly slice green onions, chop fresh cranberries, and chop fresh parsley if using.
Mix the salad: In a medium bowl, combine chicken, celery, green onions, cranberries, and toasted pecans.
Add the mayo and dressing: Stir in mayonnaise, then pour in the honey Dijon dressing. Gently toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Chill (optional): Refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and dressing thicken slightly. Can be served immediately as well.

Notes

Toast pecans to enhance flavor and crunch. Whisk dressing slowly to emulsify properly. Chop cranberries finely to distribute tartness evenly. Salad can be made ahead and stored up to 2 days refrigerated. For lighter version, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or avocado mayo. Use maple syrup instead of honey for different sweetness. Add parsley before serving for freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
Calories: 320
Sugar: 7
Fat: 18
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 4
Protein: 25

Keywords: chicken salad, cranberry salad, pecan salad, honey Dijon dressing, easy chicken salad, healthy lunch, quick salad recipe