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Creamy Loaded Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Juicy Grapes

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A creamy, flavorful chicken salad featuring tart dried cranberries, toasted pecans, juicy grapes, and a tangy Greek yogurt-mayo dressing. Perfect for quick lunches or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved (seedless)
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6-8 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool, then roughly chop. Alternatively, toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  2. Prepare the chicken: If not using rotisserie chicken, poach 2 large chicken breasts in simmering water or broth for about 15 minutes until cooked through. Let cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Prep the produce: Halve the grapes, dice the celery finely, and thinly slice the green onions.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grapes, celery, and green onions. Pour the dressing over and gently fold until evenly coated.
  6. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Toast pecans just before mixing to release oils and enhance flavor. Use two forks to shred chicken for better texture. Pat grapes dry to avoid watering down the salad. The salad tastes better after chilling overnight. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use vegan mayo. For nut allergies, substitute pecans with roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, cranberry pecan chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, grape chicken salad, easy chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, quick lunch recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-loaded-cranberry-pecan-chicken-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-juicy-grapes/