Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation, this recipe comes together in just 10-15 minutes.

• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet cranberries, and crisp celery creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors meld and deepen over time, making it an excellent option for meal prep or advance preparation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rotisserie chicken

• Toasted pecans

• Dried cranberries

• Celery

• Mayonnaise

• Sour cream

• Honey

• Dijon mustard

• Poppy seeds

• Lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Toast the Pecans: In a dry pan over medium heat, add the pecans and stir until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and chopped celery. Mix well to combine.

3. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

4. Mix Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve: Enjoy the chicken salad immediately, or for enhanced flavor, cover and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve on croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

• Preparation Time: About 10-15 minutes.

• Chilling Time: Optional, but refrigerating for a few hours can enhance the flavors.

Variations

• Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad: Combine the chicken with red pepper, cilantro, green onions, avocado, and a chili-lime dressing for a zesty twist.

• Pesto Chicken Salad: Mix the chicken with roasted peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, almonds, and creamy pesto for an Italian flair.

• Healthy Chicken Salad: Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise and add grapes, almonds, and extra celery for a lighter version.

• Curry Chicken Salad: Add curry powder to the dressing and mix in cashews, raisins, and cilantro for a flavorful variation.

• Pineapple Chicken Salad: Include crushed pineapple, honey-roasted almonds, celery, and red onion for a sweet and tangy profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate and the texture of the salad may change upon thawing.

• Serving Leftovers: Chicken salad is best enjoyed cold. Stir well before serving, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

FAQs

How can I make this chicken salad healthier?

To make a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise and sour cream. This will reduce the fat content and increase the protein.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews, depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to toast the pecans?

Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the salad. While not strictly necessary, it is recommended for the best taste and texture.

Can I add fresh fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! Adding fresh fruits like grapes or diced apples can introduce a sweet and juicy element to the salad.

How long can I store the chicken salad in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, the chicken salad can last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, making the salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld and develop. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What are some serving suggestions for this chicken salad?

Serve the chicken salad on croissants, sandwich bread, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers. It also pairs well with sliced cucumbers or as a topping for a green salad.

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

While rotisserie chicken provides optimal flavor and texture, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well and consider seasoning it to enhance the flavor.

How can I add a spicy kick to this chicken salad?

To add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Is this chicken salad gluten-free?

The chicken salad itself is gluten-free.

Chicken Salad

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 10-15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course, Salad, Picnic Food, Quick Meal
• Method: Mixing, Toasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chicken Salad is a quick and easy recipe that combines tender rotisserie chicken, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or meal prep, this versatile recipe is customizable to suit any taste, with options for a lighter or zesty version. Enjoy it on croissants, lettuce wraps, or with crackers for a delicious meal any time!

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Ingredients

2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

1/2 cup toasted pecans

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Toast the Pecans: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the pecans, stirring occasionally until lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

• Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and chopped celery. Mix well.

• Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

• Mix Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until all ingredients are well coated.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt and pepper if necessary.

• Serve: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for a few hours to enhance the flavor. Enjoy on croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.

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Notes

• Make-Ahead Tip: The salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Freezing is not recommended.

• Diet Variations: For a healthier version, swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and sour cream.

• Nut Variations: Feel free to use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer.