Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, crunchy celery, toasted pecans, and sweet dried cranberries, all coated in a flavorful paprika-mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a snack with crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Salad
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup celery (chopped)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (or craisins)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped celery, chopped pecans, sweetened dried cranberries, and chopped green onions. Pour the prepared mayonnaise dressing over the mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together for a more delicious taste.
- Optional Toasting Pecans: For enhanced flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the pecans, stirring regularly. Cook them for about 4-6 minutes until they start to darken on the edges and emit a nutty aroma. Let cool before adding to the salad mixture.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry pecan chicken salad on a bed of salad greens, as a sandwich filling, or alongside crackers for a tasty meal or snack.
Notes
- Toasting pecans is optional but adds a deeper nutty flavor and crunch to the salad.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to reach your preferred creaminess.
- This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins or dried cherries if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus optional 5 minutes to toast pecans)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken salad, cranberry pecan chicken salad, rotisserie chicken recipe, easy chicken salad, mayonnaise chicken salad, pecan salad, dried cranberry salad
