Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps Easy and Delicious

Are you looking for a tasty midweek meal that’s quick and easy? Look no further! These Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps are packed with flavor. Using just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dish that’ll impress anyone. Whether you’re feeding the family or packing lunch for work, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive in and create something delicious together!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries

– 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

In this chicken salad, cooked chicken breast is the star. I love using tender, shredded chicken for a soft bite. Dried cranberries add a sweet touch. They give a nice pop of color, too! Chopped pecans bring a crunchy texture. They also add a rich, nutty flavor. Celery adds a nice crispness. Finally, red onion gives a little zing.

Dressing Ingredients

– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon honey

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing, I use Greek yogurt. It makes the salad creamy without being heavy. Dijon mustard adds a sharp taste that pairs well with the chicken. Honey sweetens it up just right. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper for balance. This dressing pulls all the flavors together.

Optional Ingredients

– 4 large lettuce leaves or whole wheat tortillas

– Fresh spinach or mixed greens for garnish

You can serve this salad in different ways. Lettuce leaves make a fresh wrap. Whole wheat tortillas add a hearty feel. I often use both! For garnish, fresh spinach or mixed greens make the dish pop. They add color and a bit of extra flavor. This flexibility makes the wraps fun for everyone!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Salad Mixture

To start, gather a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Mix these ingredients well. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. You want the cranberries and pecans to spread evenly throughout the chicken and veggies. This makes the salad taste great.

Making the Dressing

Next, grab a small bowl. In this bowl, mix 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir until it is smooth. Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness to the salad. It also helps to tie all the flavors together. Pour this dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir it thoroughly so everything gets coated well.

Assembling the Wraps

Now, let’s decide on the wrap. You can choose between 4 large lettuce leaves or whole wheat tortillas. If you go for tortillas, warm them up a bit. This makes them easier to fold. Lay out your choice on a flat surface.

Place a generous portion of the chicken salad mixture on each lettuce leaf or tortilla. Leave some space at the edges. If using lettuce, fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly. You may need a toothpick to hold it. If using tortillas, just roll them tightly and cut them in half diagonally.

Serve the wraps right away, or let them chill for an hour. This waiting time enhances the flavors. Enjoy your tasty and healthy wraps!

Tips & Tricks

Recipe Customization

You can easily change this chicken salad to fit your taste.

– Adding more vegetables: Try adding diced bell peppers or shredded carrots. These add color and crunch. You can also use chopped cucumbers for a fresh twist. Mix them in with the chicken and other ingredients for extra flavor.

– Adjusting sweetness with honey: If you like it sweeter, add more honey. Start with a teaspoon and mix well. Taste it and decide if you want more. This balance can enhance the overall flavor.

Presentation Tips

How you serve your wraps can make a big difference.

– Plating ideas for serving: Arrange the wraps on a large platter. Use fresh spinach or mixed greens as a bed. This adds color and makes the dish pop. You can also stack wraps neatly for a fun look.

– Garnishing for aesthetic appeal: Drizzle a little honey over the wraps before serving. You can also sprinkle some chopped pecans on top. This gives a nice crunchy texture and looks appealing.

Preparing in Advance

Making this dish ahead of time can save you stress.

– Recommendations for chilling time: Chill the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend well. It also makes the salad refreshing when you serve it.

– Storing leftover salad: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty for your next meal.

Variations

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

If you need to swap out Greek yogurt, try using a dairy-free yogurt. Options like almond or coconut yogurt work well. They maintain the creamy texture and add a hint of flavor.

For gluten-free wraps, use lettuce leaves or gluten-free tortillas. Lettuce adds a fresh crunch. Gluten-free tortillas keep the wrap feel without the gluten.

Flavor Boosters

You can add more fruits or nuts to enhance the taste. Try apples or grapes for a sweet twist. Add walnuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch. These small changes can make a huge difference.

Herbs and spices also elevate the flavor. Fresh dill or parsley adds brightness. A pinch of paprika or cayenne can give a nice kick. Experiment with what you love.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your wraps with crunchy carrot sticks or sweet potato fries. These sides add color and texture to your meal. You could also serve a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing touch.

For drinks, consider iced tea or sparkling water. They cleanse the palate and balance the meal. A light lemonade can also be a great match on warm days.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

You can store these wraps in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them fresh, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps to prevent them from drying out. Place the wraps in an airtight container to keep odors away. If you notice any signs of wilting in the greens, enjoy the wraps sooner.

Freezing Recommendations

I do not recommend freezing the salad itself. Freezing can change the texture of the chicken and veggies. However, if you have leftover wraps, you can freeze them. To do this, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. Enjoy them cold or heat them up slightly in a skillet.

Container Suggestions

Use airtight containers for storing your wraps. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Choose containers that are large enough to hold the wraps without squishing them. To keep each wrap intact, place a piece of parchment paper between them, if stacking. This keeps them from sticking together and losing shape.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds flavor. The chicken is already cooked and seasoned, making it easy to prepare. However, it can be a bit salty. You may want to adjust the salt in your salad. Make sure to remove the skin and bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.

What can I substitute for the pecans?

If you can’t use pecans, try walnuts or almonds. These nuts offer a nice crunch, just like pecans. You can also use sunflower seeds if you want a nut-free option. They add a different flavor but still taste great. For a fun twist, consider adding pumpkin seeds for added nutrition.

How long do the wraps last in the fridge?

You can store the wraps in the fridge for up to three days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from getting soggy. If you have leftover chicken salad, it can last for about four days in an airtight container. Just keep the salad and wraps separate until you are ready to eat.

This blog post covered a tasty chicken salad wrap with key ingredients like chicken, cranberries, and pecans. I shared easy steps for preparing the salad and making a creamy dressing. You learned tips for customizing and presenting your dish, plus storage advice for leftovers.

Final thoughts? This wrap is versatile and fun to make. You can adapt it to your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting in the kitche