Chicken Salad Chick Cranberry Kelli Recipe

Have you ever tried the delightful Chicken Salad Chick Cranberry Kelli Recipe? I will help you make this salad.

I will share with you the experience of making this salad. I will tell you which ingredients to take and how to make them.

My version of the Cranberry Kelli chicken salad is a nutritious and delicious dish inspired by Chicken Salad Chick’s classic recipe.

It blends tender shredded chicken, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans with a creamy, tangy dressing.

It offers numerous health benefits, including high-quality protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making it ideal for a post-workout meal, a satisfying lunch, or a versatile dish for any gathering.

It embodies the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors, ensuring that eating well can be both enjoyable and flavorful.

How To Make Chicken Salad Chick Cranberry Kelli Recipe?

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken is used)
• Yield: Serves 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving (depending on adjustments and serving size)

Ingredients

• 4 cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup of dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
• 3/4 cup of mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup of diced celery
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of finely garlic (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lettuce leaves or croissants for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly and shredded. You can either boil, roast, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.

Add the Dressing: Add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the chicken mixture. Stir well to combine. The mayonnaise and mustard will act as the dressing for the salad. To get the desired creaminess, adjust the amount of mayonnaise.

Add Crunch and Flavor: Mix in the diced celery, garlic and chopped onion (if using) to the salad. This will add a nice crunch and a bit of sharpness to the salad.

Season: To taste, add salt and pepper to the chicken salad. Give it a final stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Chill: Although you can serve the salad immediately, chilling it for at least an hour in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

Serve: Serve the Cranberry Kelli chicken salad on fresh lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or stuffed into croissants for a delightful sandwich. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or even as a fancy brunch item.

Perfect Making Tips

◈ Quality Ingredients: Start with freshly cooked or grilled chicken breast for the best flavor and texture. Use high-quality mayonnaise and fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries if fresh are not available) for the dressing.

◈ Balance Flavors: Ensure a good balance between the creamy mayonnaise, the tartness of the cranberries, and the savory chicken. Add a pinch of sugar or honey if you’re using fresh cranberries to balance their tartness.

◈ Texture Contrast: Add chopped celery or pecans for a crunch that contrasts the creamy texture of the salad. This adds an enjoyable mouthfeel to each bite.

◈ Seasoning: Season well with salt and pepper. Consider adding a dash of lemon juice or zest to brighten the flavors.

◈ Chill Before Serving: Before serving, let the salad cool in the fridge for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Following these tips will help you create a perfectly balanced and delicious Cranberry Kelli Chicken Salad that’s sure to impress.

Serving Suggestions

✔ Sandwich: On whole grain or croissant bread, accompanied by lettuce and slices of tomato for a classic lunch option.

✔ Salad: Over a bed of mixed greens, with additional fresh fruits like slices of apple or grapes for a light, nutritious meal.

✔ Wrap: In a whole wheat wrap or lettuce wrap for a low-carb, on-the-go meal.

✔ Appetizer: Scoop onto endive leaves or cucumber rounds for a refreshing, bite-sized appetizer.

✔ With Crackers: Serve as a dip with a side of whole grain crackers or sliced baguette for a simple, yet elegant appetizer.

These serving suggestions make the Cranberry Kelli Chicken Salad versatile for any occasion, from casual lunches to elegant gatherings.

Variations And Customize

❖ Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

❖ Fruits: Mix in diced apples, grapes, or pineapple for additional sweetness and texture.

❖ Greens: Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or arugula for a nutritious boost.

❖ Herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh dill, parsley, or tarragon.

❖ Dressing: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier alternative.

❖ Cheese: Sprinkle in feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist.

These variations allow you to tailor the Cranberry Kelli Chicken Salad to your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy.

How To Store It?

To properly store the Chicken Salad Chick Cranberry Kelli Recipe, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate.

This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent the salad from absorbing any odors from other foods in the refrigerator.

Avoid freezing the salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings do not freeze well and can separate and become watery upon thawing.

For the best flavor and texture, stir the salad gently before serving it again.

Conclusion

Creating the Chicken Salad Chick Cranberry Kelli Recipe has been a delightful culinary adventure. This recipe not only offers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors but also incorporates a wonderful variety of textures.

From the tender chunks of chicken and the juicy bursts of cranberries to the crunch of nuts, every bite is a testament to the harmony of ingredients.

Here’s how I made it. If you want, comment to let me know your process or experience of making this salad. If you like this recipe then don’t forget to share it.

Enjoy your food!