Discover the 'Deliciously Festive' Cranberry Apple Pecan Chicken Salad! Featuring tender chicken, tart cranberries, crisp apples, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for any celebration!
Deliciously Festive: Cranberry Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Celebration
With the holiday season just around the corner, there's no better time to whip up a dish that's both delicious and festive. Enter the Cranberry Apple Pecan Chicken Salad – a delightful medley of flavors and textures that brings a burst of autumn greatness to your table. Perfect for warm gatherings or a cozy night in, this salad combines tart cranberries, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and savory chicken in a dish that’s spectacularly satisfying. Whether you're looking to impress at a holiday party or enhance your meal prep lineup, this salad is your answer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries or 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 large apple, cored and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a handful of mixed salad greens for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
- If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can either poach, grill, or bake it. To poach, bring a pot of salted water to a simmer, add the chicken, and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 12–15 minutes). Let it cool and then shred or dice.
- Wash the cranberries (if using fresh), and remove any stems.
- Core the apple and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. To prevent browning, you can toss the apple pieces in a little lemon juice if desired.
- Chop the pecans into smaller pieces. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes if you prefer a deeper nutty flavor.
Make the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- Add the cooked chicken, cranberries, diced apple, pecans, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
- Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be sure not to crush the fruits and nuts as you mix.
- Chill and Serve:
- For best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed salad greens or enjoy it on its own. For an added touch, consider serving it on croissants, fresh bread, or in lettuce wraps.
Conclusion:
There you have it – a deliciously festive chicken salad that's bound to become a holiday favorite! The Cranberry Apple Pecan Chicken Salad Celebration captures the essence of the season with its stunning array of flavors and textures. Its vibrant colors and tangy-sweet mix make it a perfect addition to any gathering. Not only is this salad visually appealing and scrumptious, but it’s also incredibly simple to make. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a hearty side, it’s sure to delight friends, family, and guests alike. Indulge in this celebration of flavor and give your tastebuds a treat!