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- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/2 cup celery, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste You need good ingredients for a tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Start with cooked chicken. I usually use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. You want two cups, diced into small pieces. Next, add fresh spinach. It gives a lovely green color and a nice crunch. Chop it into smaller bits, about one cup. Dried cranberries are next. They add sweetness and a chewy texture. Use half a cup, and feel free to adjust based on your taste. Pecans are a must for this dish. Toast them lightly to enhance their flavor. You’ll need half a cup, roughly chopped. Celery adds a nice crunch. Dice half a cup and mix it in. Red onion brings a sharp taste. You only need a quarter cup, finely chopped. Now, for the dressing, grab plain Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and protein. Use half a cup. To sweeten the dressing, add two tablespoons of honey. Apple cider vinegar gives a slight tang. One tablespoon will do the trick. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust based on your preference. These ingredients come together to create a fresh and flavorful dish. Enjoy every bite! - Step 1: Combine diced chicken, spinach, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion in a mixing bowl. This mix gives the salad a great taste and texture. The chicken adds protein, while the spinach and cranberries bring freshness. The pecans give a nice crunch. - Step 2: Prepare the dressing by whisking together yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Make sure it is smooth. This dressing is creamy and adds a sweet touch. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. - Step 3: Toss the dressing with the salad mixture and refrigerate for flavor melding. Chilling helps all the flavors blend. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. - Serve chilled or at room temperature. This salad is versatile and tasty either way. - Garnish with extra pecans and cranberries for presentation. It makes the dish look colorful and appetizing. - Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for added flavor. This gives a nice smoky taste. - Toast pecans before adding for enhanced taste. It brings out their natural oils. - Modify dressing sweetness by adjusting honey quantity. Add more for sweeter flavor. - Experiment with additional herbs or spices for unique flavors. Try dill, basil, or thyme. {{image_2}} You can easily change some ingredients to fit your taste. - Substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise for a different taste. This change makes the salad creamier. - Replace chicken with turkey for a holiday-themed salad. Turkey offers a rich flavor that works well. Adding new ingredients can make the salad even better. - Incorporate feta cheese for a tangy twist. The saltiness of feta adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. - Add diced apple for extra crunch and sweetness. Apples bring a fresh and juicy bite that brightens the dish. Feel free to mix and match these options. Each variation adds a unique flair to your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Enjoy exploring these tasty changes! To keep your cranberry pecan chicken salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. Make sure to place it in the refrigerator right after you finish eating. It’s best to consume the salad within 3-4 days for the best quality. After that, the ingredients might lose their taste and texture. If your salad becomes dry, don’t worry! Just drizzle a little olive oil or add more dressing. This will bring back the moisture and flavor. It’s an easy fix to keep your dish delightful and enjoyable. Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Making it ahead saves time. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner. Just cover it tightly before storing. This salad works well as a side dish. You can also serve it on a bed of mixed greens. The flavors blend nicely, making a vibrant meal. Use low-fat Greek yogurt and reduce the quantity of nuts. This keeps the taste while cutting calories. You can swap honey for a low-calorie sweetener too. Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use a vegan yogurt alternative for the dressing. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty while being plant-based. This blog post shared a simple and tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad recipe. You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare each step. I also provided tips for enhancing flavors and making variations. As you create this salad, feel free to adapt it to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with new ingredients. Whether you serve it at a picnic or for a quick lunch, this dish will impress. Explore and enjoy every delicious bite!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Looking for a refreshing meal? Try this delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad that combines tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries for a perfect blend of flavors. Made with creamy Greek yogurt and a hint of honey, it’s a healthy choice you’ll love. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s great for lunch or a light dinner.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

1/2 cup celery, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped spinach, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning as desired.

      Pour the dressing over the chicken salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

        Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

          Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in bowls or on a bed of additional fresh spinach. Garnish with extra pecans and cranberries on top for a beautiful presentation.