Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a classic American dish that is perfect for any occasion. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the salad is both delicious and satisfying on a bed or Spring greens, or tucked into a pita sandwich.
Chop the chicken into dice sized chunks. Chop the dried cranberries and pecans to the size pieces you prefer in your salad. Slice the green onions, mince the fresh tarragon, and dice the celery.
3 cup Chicken, ⅔ cup Cranberries, ⅓ cup Pecans, 3 Green Onions, 1 stalk Celery, 2 tbsp Tarragon
Add the chopped chicken, cranberries, pecans, green onions, minced tarragon, and celery to a large mixing bowl.
Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a smaller mixing bowl.
⅔ cup Mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Lemon juice, 2 tbsp Honey, ⅛ tsp Garlic powder, ½ tsp Salt, ¼ tsp Black pepper
Using a whisk or your mini food processor, blend the ingredients until creamy and smooth.
Pour the creamy salad dressing over the top of the chopped ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
Fold the salad dressing into the bowl of chicken and chopped ingredients. Blend until all ingredients are coated. If you prefer more moisture, you can add more mayonnaise, or additional lemon juice.
Use this cranberry pecan chicken salad to make sandwiches using pita bread, fresh homemade sliced bread, croissants, or simply top on a fresh greens. To make a lighter dressing, just use plain Greek yogurt instead of the mayonnaise.
Notes
Use a good quality mayonnaise. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the salad.
Use good quality chicken. The better the chicken, the better the salad will taste.
If you don't have dried cranberries, you can use raisins.
Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.