Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a chicken salad that's anything but ordinary! This isn't just another bland lunch option – it's a culinary adventure that combines the tender succulence of shredded chicken with the sweet burst of cranberries and the irresistible crunch of pistachios. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to transform your meal prep from mundane to magnificent!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded), 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken. Ensure that the chicken is evenly shredded for a better texture in the salad.
- Next, add the dried cranberries to the bowl with the chicken. The sweetness of the cranberries will complement the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Then, incorporate the chopped pistachios into the mixture. These will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Stir them together until they are well blended. This will serve as the dressing for your salad.
- Pour the mayonnaise and mustard mixture over the chicken, cranberries, and pistachios in the large bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the dressing into the salad ingredients until everything is evenly coated.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount, mix, and then taste before adding more, as you can always adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Once the salad is well mixed and seasoned, you can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- To serve, you can enjoy the Cranberry Pistachio Chicken Salad on its own, or you can serve it over a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap for a delicious meal.
Tips
- Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken for maximum flavor depth
- Toast the pistachios lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise
- Allow the salad to chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld
- For extra freshness, add some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives
- Ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooled before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking
- Adjust the seasoning gradually – you can always add more salt and pepper, but you can't take it away
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For added texture, consider adding some diced celery or green onions
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
