Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans

This Lightened Up Chicken Salad cranberries and pecans is really tasty in a sandwich, on a cracker or just by itself. 

This makes a wonderful chicken lunch without as many calories as the old school chicken salad recipes always had cranberries and pecans add a wonderful crunch to this delicious recipe.

As a productivity manager, i often needed a quick lunch that was easy to transport, and this one fit the bill.

 For more great chicken salad recipes – try this Crispy Chicken Salad with Hot Honey or this Chicken Salad Tea Sandwich recipe.

In trying to lighten up our meals around here, I switched up my pecan chicken salad recipe this week. I am a big fan of chicken salad because it easily makes a flavorful snack or meal idea. By making a few substitutions, I have reduced the fat content a bit.

By substituting greek yogurt and sour cream for some of the mayonnaise typically used in this easy chicken salad recipe, it certainly helps me stay on track.

Main Ingredients

• Cooked chicken – I used a chicken breast, but you could use chicken tenders too. Using rotisserie chicken speeds things up for this recipe.
• Onion – Adds a sharp, savory bite. I prefer to use red onion, but yellow ow white will work based on preference .
• Celery – Use crisp celery for a flavorful texture and crunch.
• Dried cranberries – Offers a touch of sweetness and chewy contrast, balancing savory elements
• Mayo –Adds creaminess with less fat than traditional chicken salad—it’s a lighter twist

Variations on chicken salad recipe ideas:

I threw some pecans in there for crunch, but you can omit them if you wish, or you could add walnuts or almonds.

Chopped bell peppers make a nice low-fat crunch option. This recipe is not only perfect for a filling meal, it also makes a tasty appetizer or brunch or tea-time entrée.

Be sure to try my Hot Honey Chicken Salad and my Southwestern Chicken Salad. Both are easy to make and delicious!

Time Saving and Expert Tips

• Use a rotisserie chicken from the market, to save you valuable time.
• Chop vegetables like celery and onions in advance and store them in airtight containers. This makes assembly quicker when you’re ready to prepare the salad.
• Buy the pre-chopped pecans or other nuts.
• Store the salad in airtight container for an easy make ahead meal prep. This is my favorite chicken salad recipe for a grab-and-go lunch idea. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes the salad taste even better.
  

Serving Suggestion

Serve this delicious cranberry pecan chicken salad as is in bowls, in lettuce cups for lettuce wraps, in whole grain tortillas, mini croissants, with crackers, or over a bed of greens for low-carb options.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Other tasty salad ideas you might enjoy:

Mango Arugula Salad – Mango, arugula and Parmesan cheese make this salad delightful.

Quick and Easy Mediterranean Salad – made with peppers, cabbage, and tomatoes.

 

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