Description: This Holiday Chicken Salad With Apples And Cranberries brings bright flavor with crunchy pecans, fresh kale, and juicy chicken. Ideal for festive meals or easy make-ahead Chicken Salad Recipes—explore more ideas. #ChickenSaladWithApplesAndCranberries #SaladKale #PecanChickenSalads #PecanChicken #ChickenSaladRecipeCranberries
This Holiday Chicken Salad with Apples, Kale & Pecans is everything festive, flavorful, and refreshing—all in one bowl. Packed with tender chicken, crisp apples, hearty kale, nutty pecans, and tart cranberries, it’s a colorful salad that brings vibrancy to your holiday table or any cozy family gathering. In this post, you’ll find the story behind this cheerful dish, an easy ingredient breakdown, step-by-step directions, serving and storage tips, and answers to common recipe questions. Whether you’re prepping for a celebration or seeking a wholesome make-ahead lunch, this Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries fits the season perfectly.
Why This Holiday Chicken Salad with Apples, Kale & Pecans Matters
A Family Tradition Around the Table
Every family has a recipe that signals the start of the holiday season, and for ours, it’s the Holiday Chicken Salad with Apples and Pecans. I still remember the gentle hum of laughter in the kitchen as roasted chicken cooled on the counter, releasing that comforting aroma that filled the house. My mother would slice crisp apples while I toasted the pecans until perfectly golden and fragrant. The combination of flavors—the tender chicken, crunchy nuts, sweet apples, and tart cranberries—created a colorful mix that truly lit up our winter table. Over the years, this Pecan Chicken Salad has become more than a recipe; it’s a reminder of togetherness and good food shared with those we love.
What makes this Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries so special is its remarkable blend of flavors and textures. The sweet bite of apples balances beautifully with the tang of cranberries, while leafy kale adds freshness and structure. Toasted pecans bring that unmistakable holiday nuttiness, and tender chicken ties everything together for a satisfying dish that feels both light and comforting. It’s that perfect middle ground between indulgence and nourishment—ideal for festive lunches, holiday buffets, or as a bright side to heavier winter dishes. Each forkful tastes like the holidays: fresh, colorful, and full of heart.
To create the most refreshing and flavorful Holiday Chicken Salad with Apples, Kale & Pecans, you’ll need a thoughtful balance of textures and tastes—crisp, creamy, nutty, and a touch of tang. Here’s everything required to bring this festive salad together perfectly.
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Holiday Chicken Salad with Apples, Kale & Pecans
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A festive chicken salad with apples, kale, cranberries, and toasted pecans in a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Wash and dry kale, remove stems, chop leaves, and massage with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt until tender
2. Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, then let cool
3. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing
4. Combine chicken, diced apples, cranberries, and kale in a large mixing bowl and toss gently
5. Pour dressing over the salad and stir until ingredients are evenly coated
6. Fold in cooled toasted pecans to maintain their crunch
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired
8. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
Keywords: holiday chicken salad, chicken salad, kale salad, pecan chicken, apple salad, cranberry salad, make ahead salad
Ingredients & Preparation – Building the Best Chicken Salad Recipe
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped) | 3 cups | Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Grilled or baked chicken works well. |
| Apples (crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji) | 2 medium, diced | Keep the peel on for color and nutrients. Substitute pears for a milder sweetness. |
| Fresh kale (stemmed and chopped) | 3 cups | Massage with olive oil to soften. Spinach or mixed greens can substitute. |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup | Raisins or chopped apricots for less tartness. |
| Pecans (toasted and chopped) | ½ cup | Walnuts or almonds make good alternatives. Toast lightly for best flavor. |
| Greek yogurt or mayonnaise | ½ cup | Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version or vegan mayo for dairy-free. |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Adds brightness and prevents browning in apples. |
| Honey or maple syrup | 1 teaspoon | Optional, to balance tart flavors. |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Season gradually for perfect balance. |
- Vegan: Replace chicken with chickpeas or cubed tofu and use vegan mayo.
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free—verify packaged ingredients.
- Low-fat: Use nonfat plain Greek yogurt as your creamy base.
These simple ingredient choices create a wholesome, nourishing Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries that suits nearly every palate and occasion.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Toasting pecans | 5 minutes |
| Assembly | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Tools: Large mixing bowl, sharp knife, chopping board, salad spinner or colander, whisk, wooden spoon.
- Prepare the kale: Wash thoroughly, remove stems, chop, and massage with olive oil and salt for one minute.
- Toast the pecans: Place chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring until fragrant. Cool completely.
- Mix the dressing: Whisk together yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix chicken, apples, cranberries, and kale. Toss gently.
- Add dressing and pecans: Stir dressing evenly through salad, then fold in pecans last to preserve crunch.
- Adjust flavor: Taste and modify seasoning with more lemon, salt, or pepper.
- Serve or chill: Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Pro Tip: For meal prep, keep dressing separate until just before serving. This keeps greens and fruit crisp and fresh.
Serving & Storage Tips – Making the Most of Your Holiday Chicken Salad
How to Serve This Salad Festively
The beauty of this Holiday Chicken Salad with Apples, Kale & Pecans lies in its versatility. For a main course, present it piled high on a platter, topped with extra pecans and cranberries for color. The crisp kale, apple, and cranberry hues make a natural holiday palette.
For casual occasions, enjoy this Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries as sandwich filling or in flavorful lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice. On a buffet, serve it in a wide bowl to highlight its seasonal color. Scatter additional toasted pecans or drizzle lightly with honey-lemon dressing for glistening presentation.
Brilliant greens, ruby-red berries, and golden nuts create a dish as elegant visually as it is tasty. Before serving, toss gently once more to refresh the texture and ensure even coating.
How to Store and Keep It Fresh
Keep your Holiday Chicken Salad with Apples, Kale & Pecans fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3–4 days for best taste and texture. For advance preparation, store dressing separately from salad components until serving time.
To prevent apples from browning, coat them with lemon juice before refrigerating. Kale’s sturdy leaves ensure longer shelf life than softer greens, making this salad perfect for meal prep and traveling. Always add pecans and dressing just before serving to preserve their crunch.
Consistent refrigeration and mindful assembly will keep your Pecan Chicken Salad crisp, flavorful, and delightful throughout the holiday week.
FAQs & Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Holiday Chicken Salad with Apples and Pecans ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare components separately and combine with dressing when serving. This keeps textures crisp and flavors lively.
What dressing goes best with Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries?
A Greek yogurt–lemon or light mayo dressing works beautifully. For dairy-free, swap for vegan mayo or vinaigrette for a tangier note.
Can I substitute another green for kale in this salad?
Absolutely. Spinach, arugula, or mixed greens can replace kale. Dress just before serving to avoid wilting.
How long can I store this Chicken Salad safely in the fridge?
Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container. Keep dressing separate to maintain crunch and quality.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes! Naturally gluten-free and easily dairy-free with vegan substitutes. Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for vegetarian options.
Conclusion
The Holiday Chicken Salad with Apples, Kale & Pecans brings brilliant color, crunchy texture, and refreshing flavor to every festive table. Each bite balances tender chicken, sweet-tart fruit, earthy greens, and toasted nuts, creating a wholesome dish that feels special yet simple.
Perfect as a bright centerpiece or a quick prep-ahead meal, this Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries embodies the joy of holiday cooking—vibrant, nourishing, and universally loved. Let this Pecan Chicken Salad become your next family tradition, a dish that celebrates comfort, care, and the pleasure of good food shared together.
