If comfort food had a fresh, tangy best friend, it would surely be the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe. This delightful dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, all wrapped snugly in a soft flour tortilla. The creamy dressing made with a touch of Dijon mustard and a hint of honey ties everything together perfectly, making these wraps a quick and nourishing option for lunch, dinner, or even a charming picnic treat. Once you try them, they’ll become your go-to for both ease and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting a flavorful, textured, and visually appealing wrap that’s ready in minutes. From the hearty chicken to the zesty dressing, these essentials blend harmoniously to make magic happen.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or diced chicken as the protein-packed base of your salad.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add a lovely sweet and tart punch that complements the savory elements.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Toasted pecans enhance the crunch and bring a nutty depth to every bite.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt): Acts as the creamy binder with a choice for lighter or classic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy brightness that lifts the dressing beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): A little sweetness to balance the tang and tartness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Injects a fresh citrus zing that keeps the salad lively.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together perfectly.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft wraps that hold the tasty filling and make the salad portable.
- 1 cup mixed greens or lettuce (optional): Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch and a pop of color inside the wraps.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by shredding or dicing your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. The perfect chicken texture is key—it should be tender enough to blend well with the other ingredients but still present to give each bite satisfying substance.
Step 2: Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken with dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and mixed greens if you love a little extra crunch and freshness. The cranberries bring a pop of color and sweetness, while the pecans add a delightful crunch that will keep you coming back for more.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard, honey, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the dressing is silky and well-blended. This mixture ties everything together with creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet notes.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the luscious dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until every morsel is coated in that rich, flavorful goodness. This is where the salad really comes alive as all the flavors harmonize beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Lay your tortilla flat, then spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad mixture into the center. Feel free to add more greens if desired for extra freshness and crunch.
Step 6: Wrap and Serve
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly to keep all that delightful filling tucked inside. Slice in half for easy handling and serve immediately or wrap tightly for a convenient meal prep option.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your wraps, consider sprinkling a few extra chopped pecans or fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving. These add a subtle aroma and a pretty presentation that will impress your guests or yourself!
Side Dishes
Pair these wraps with crisp veggie sticks, a light fruit salad, or a simple cup of soup for a well-rounded meal. The lightness of sides helps balance the richness of the salad while keeping things refreshing and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress things up for a gathering, slice the wraps into bite-sized pinwheels for fun finger food or serve them open-faced on a bed of greens accompanied by a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe is versatile and fabulous no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness. Keep the tortillas separate if possible to prevent them from getting soggy before assembling more wraps.
Freezing
This particular Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe does not freeze well because the texture of mayonnaise or yogurt and the freshness of the greens will change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad wrap, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer warm wraps, you can gently heat the tortilla alone and then add the cold chicken salad just before eating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a convenient option that works well if you’re short on time. Just drain it properly and shred if needed before mixing it into the salad.
Is there a substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?
You can swap pecans with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts. Toast the seeds lightly for added flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative and ensure your tortillas are also dairy-free to keep the recipe friendly for those avoiding dairy.
How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the chicken salad will stay fresh for up to three days. It’s best to assemble the wraps just before serving.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas?
Definitely! Whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas are great alternatives and will work just as well for wrapping up the delicious filling.
Final Thoughts
The Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a tortilla. It’s quick to put together, packed with contrasting textures and flavors, and perfect for any time you want something both nourishing and exciting. Give it a try and see how easily it becomes a staple in your recipe collection—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad wrap featuring tender chicken breast mixed with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner, these wraps combine fresh flavors and textures in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 cup mixed greens or lettuce (optional)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Wrap
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Shred or dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces to allow for easy mixing and a consistent texture in the salad.
- Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped toasted pecans, and mixed greens if using to add freshness and crunch.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful, creamy dressing.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Assemble the wraps: Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface and spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad onto the center.
- Wrap and serve: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, roll it up tightly, slice in half, and serve immediately. Alternatively, wrap tightly for convenient meal prep later.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, to enhance their flavor.
- Honey is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on sweetness preference.
- Serve the wraps chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
- Wraps can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 2 days.
