Sweet & Savory Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad (High Protein & Adaptable Keto)
Enjoy a refreshing and satisfying chicken salad packed with tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and a hint of sweet cranberries. This versatile recipe is perfect served on a bed of lettuce, in a low-carb wrap, or as a flavorful dip. High in protein and easily adaptable for keto lifestyles!
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes (optional, for best flavor)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (from rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken breast, or canned chicken, drained well)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (ensure sugar-free and made with avocado or olive oil for keto)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (use full-fat; for strict keto, substitute with additional mayo or sour cream)
- 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup finely diced low-sugar dried cranberries (e.g., sweetened with stevia/erythritol; adjust amount for strict keto)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (check label for no added sugar)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken & Veggies: Ensure your chicken is already cooked and shredded. Finely chop the celery stalk and red onion. If your pecans are not already chopped, roughly chop them.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt (if using), chopped celery, chopped red onion, finely diced low-sugar dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and Dijon mustard.
- Mix & Season: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Low-Carb: Serve atop a crisp bed of romaine, butter lettuce, or spinach.
- Sandwich Style: Use in a low-carb wrap, scooped into bell pepper halves, or on your favorite keto bread.
- Dippers: Enjoy with cucumber slices, celery sticks, or pork rinds.
Storage: Store leftover Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This “Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad” is a delicious, versatile, and generally healthy option for your app.
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Chicken, mayonnaise (with egg), and Greek yogurt (if used) are excellent protein sources, making this salad incredibly satisfying.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb, provided you make wise choices for mayonnaise, cranberries, and Dijon mustard. The main components (chicken, celery, pecans) are naturally low-carb.
- Keto: This recipe is keto-friendly with careful substitutions and moderation for certain ingredients:
- Shredded Chicken, Celery, Red Onion, Pecans: All are excellent keto staples.
- Mayonnaise: Crucial to use a sugar-free, avocado oil or olive oil based mayonnaise. Traditional mayo can contain seed oils and sugar.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: This is the primary concern for strict keto. While protein-rich, Greek yogurt contains lactose (milk sugar). For strict keto, substitute the ½ cup of Greek yogurt with an additional ½ cup of keto-friendly mayonnaise or full-fat sour cream to keep the carb count lower.
- Low-Sugar Dried Cranberries: This is the highest carb ingredient. Even “low-sugar” or “sugar-free” dried cranberries can still contain fruit sugars that add up. For strict keto, use these very sparingly (e.g., 1-2 tablespoons per batch), or omit them entirely if aiming for minimal carbs. Check the net carb count per serving of the specific brand.
- Dijon Mustard: Most Dijon is low-carb, but check labels for added sugars.
- Salt & Pepper: Keto-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dried cranberries do not contain hidden gluten.
