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- 2 cups cooked chicken, either shredded or diced - 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup pecans, lightly toasted and roughly chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain or flavored - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish This salad is packed with healthy ingredients. Chicken provides protein, which helps build muscles. Spinach adds vitamins and minerals. It is rich in iron and good for blood health. Dried cranberries offer antioxidants, which may help fight illness. Pecans are a great source of healthy fats. They support heart health and keep you full. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and probiotics for gut health. Honey gives a touch of sweetness and natural energy. Apple cider vinegar may aid digestion and balance blood sugar levels. Each bite is not only tasty but also good for you! Measuring ingredients correctly ensures good taste. Use a dry measuring cup for the chicken and spinach. For liquids like yogurt and vinegar, use a liquid measuring cup. When measuring cranberries and pecans, fill the cup without packing them down. For honey, lightly spray the measuring cup with oil. This helps it pour out easily. Lastly, chop your vegetables finely for even mixing in the salad. First, gather all your ingredients. You need 2 cups of cooked chicken. You can use shredded or diced chicken. Next, chop 1 cup of fresh spinach finely. Then, measure out 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of pecans. Lightly toast the pecans for extra flavor. Finally, mince 1/4 cup of red onion very finely. Place everything in a large mixing bowl. Toss these ingredients together until they mix well. Now, it’s time to mix the salad. Take the bowl with the chicken, spinach, cranberries, pecans, and onion. Make sure they are evenly mixed. This step is key for a balanced flavor. You want every bite to have a bit of everything. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. In it, whisk together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently fold it in with a spatula or large spoon. Make sure all the ingredients are well coated. Taste the salad and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. For the best taste, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend beautifully. Serve the salad chilled, and enjoy every bite! Serve your salad on a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens. This adds color and crunch. You can also place it in a wrap for a tasty lunch. A drizzle of extra dressing enhances the look. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. To boost flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. It brightens the taste. Chopped apples can add sweetness and crunch. For some heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper works wonders. You could even mix in a bit of feta cheese for a salty bite. Do not skip refrigerating the salad. Chilling helps the flavors blend well. Avoid using too much dressing, as it can drown the salad. Always taste before serving; adjusting salt and pepper makes a big difference. Lastly, be sure not to overmix when adding the dressing; you want to keep the ingredients intact. {{image_4}} You can change ingredients to fit your taste. Try using turkey instead of chicken. If you want a different nut, walnuts work great too. Use dried cherries or raisins if you can't find cranberries. For a creamier texture, swap the Greek yogurt for avocado or cottage cheese. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a zingy twist. To make this salad vegan, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use a dairy-free yogurt for the dressing. For gluten-free options, ensure your yogurt and any added seasonings are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal. Get creative! Add sliced apples or pears for a sweet crunch. You can toss in some shredded carrots or celery for extra crunch and color. If you want a spicy kick, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also bring a new flavor profile. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your perfect blend! To keep your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. This will help seal in the flavors and prevent spoilage. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before closing the lid. If you have extra dressing, store it separately for best results. When stored properly, this salad lasts about three to four days in the fridge. It’s best to eat it within this time for optimal taste and texture. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before serving leftovers. If you notice anything unusual, it’s safer to throw it away. While this chicken salad is best served cold, you can warm the chicken slightly if you prefer. Just microwave it for about 20-30 seconds. Avoid heating the whole salad, as it can change the texture of the greens and dressing. For a fresh touch, sprinkle more chopped parsley on top before serving. Yes, you can make this salad in advance. It tastes even better after chilling. Prepare it, then cover and refrigerate for up to two days. This allows the flavors to blend well. Just remember to add the nuts right before serving to keep them crunchy. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream. Both will add creaminess to the salad. For a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth. Each option will change the taste slightly, but it will still be delicious. Yes, this salad is healthy! It has lean protein from chicken and healthy fats from pecans. The spinach adds vitamins and minerals, while cranberries offer antioxidants. Greek yogurt provides protein and probiotics. Overall, it’s a balanced meal that is both tasty and nutritious. To adjust this recipe for meal prep, portion it into containers. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. You can also increase the chicken amount to make larger portions. It’s a great way to enjoy quick and healthy meals throughout the week. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. We explored the key ingredients, their benefits, and how to measure them right. Step-by-step, I guided you through preparation, mixing, and dressing. You learned tips for serving and ways to enhance flavor, plus common mistakes to avoid. We also looked at variations, storage, and answered your FAQs. Now, you're ready to enjoy this salad with confidence. Happy cooking!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Discover the deliciousness of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with this easy recipe! Packed with shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy yogurt dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It’s quick to prepare and full of delightful flavors. Click through to explore this refreshing dish that combines sweetness and crunch in every bite! Your taste buds will thank you.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, either shredded or diced

1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup pecans, lightly toasted and roughly chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely minced

1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain or flavored

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the ingredients: in a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, chopped spinach, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and finely minced red onion. Toss until evenly mixed.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

      Drizzle the yogurt dressing over the chicken and spinach mixture.

        Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

          Take a moment to taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.

            For the most flavorful experience, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

              Serve the salad chilled, beautifully garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

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

                  Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the salad on a bed of additional spinach or mixed greens and drizzle with a bit more dressing for visual appeal.