Get ready to revolutionize your lunch game with a chicken salad that's about to become your new obsession! This Cherry Craisin Chicken Salad is not just another boring recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines sweet, tangy, and creamy elements into one mind-blowing dish. Imagine tender shredded chicken dancing with juicy cherries, tart craisins, and crunchy pecans, all brought together by a luscious honey-yogurt dressing that will make your taste buds do a happy dance!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup craisins
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked chicken, 1 cup of pitted and halved cherries, 1/2 cup of craisins, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey, and salt and pepper to taste.
- If you haven't done so already, cook the chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own chicken breasts. To poach, place chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Allow it to cool before shredding.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, halved cherries, craisins, chopped pecans, and finely chopped red onion. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing the Greek yogurt and honey until well combined. This will add creaminess and a hint of sweetness to the salad.
- Pour the Greek yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold the dressing into the salad until all ingredients are well coated. Be careful not to break up the cherries too much.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Once the salad is well mixed and seasoned, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir and taste one more time to adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the Cherry Craisin Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in lettuce wraps for a refreshing meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips
- For the most tender chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it's perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Chill your ingredients before mixing to enhance the flavor melding process.
- Use fresh, high-quality cherries for the best taste and texture.
- If you're meal prepping, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
- For added crunch, toast the pecans lightly before chopping them.
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or chives to customize the flavor profile.
- This salad is incredibly versatile – try it as a sandwich filling, on top of mixed greens, or even as a dip with crackers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
