Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- If your chicken isn’t cooked, poach it. Place 2 boneless skinless breasts in a saucepan, cover with water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a simmer, and cook for 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Let cool and shred with two forks.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add pecans and toss for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Watch them — nuts go from toasty to burnt faster than you’d think. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (and Greek yogurt if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust.
Mixing
- Add chopped chicken, celery, onion, dried cranberries, and cooled pecans to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
Chilling and Serving
- Pop the salad into the fridge for 15-30 minutes to let flavors meld. Alternatively, serve immediately on a bed of mixed greens, in sandwich bread or croissants, or scooped into halved avocados.
Notes
This chicken salad is versatile; you can swap yogurt for mayo or add fruits like grapes or apples. It's great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.