Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with vibrant and hearty meals that are as nutritious as they are flavorful. This Cranberry and Pear Chicken Salad with Arugula is the ultimate winter-inspired dish that brings together the tangy taste of fresh cranberries, the sweetness of juicy pears, and the crunch of pecans. It’s an easy recipe for meal prep and versatile enough to wow your holiday gathering or potluck.
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Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 1733mg | Potassium: 612mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1008IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 2mg
Why It’s Perfect for Winter & Meal Prep
- Seasonal Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and pears are at their peak during the winter months, providing a festive touch and a burst of seasonal flavor.
- Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats from pecans, and fiber-rich arugula and fruit, this salad is a well-rounded option to keep your energy up during chilly days.
- Meal Prep Hero: This recipe stays fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge, making it a convenient, grab-and-go option for busy weekdays. Store the chicken salad and arugula separately for maximum freshness.
- Holiday-Ready: The colorful mix of cranberries, pears, and pecans gives this dish a festive appeal, making it perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday parties.
- Customizable: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds, add dried cranberries for extra sweetness, or use a different leafy green if arugula isn’t your style.
Why These Ingredients Work Together Perfectly
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken Breast: The chicken is lean, tender, and subtly flavored, making it an ideal protein base that soaks up the flavors of the tangy dressing and sweet fruit. Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and richness, perfect for a quick yet hearty salad.
- Fresh Cranberries (Chopped): Cranberries bring a tart, slightly bitter edge that cuts through the richness of the chicken and mayonnaise. Their bright flavor and vibrant red color add a festive and seasonal touch, perfect for winter dishes.
- Pear (Diced): The pear provides natural sweetness and juiciness, balancing the tart cranberries and savory chicken. Its soft texture contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the pecans and arugula.
- Red Onion (Diced): Red onion adds a pop of sharpness and a mild bite, enhancing the salad’s overall depth of flavor. Its vibrant color also contributes to the visual appeal of the dish.
- Pecans (Chopped): Pecans add a buttery, nutty crunch that complements the soft texture of the chicken and pear. They also provide healthy fats, making the salad more satisfying and nutritious.
- Mayonnaise: Acting as a creamy binder, the mayo helps all the ingredients meld together. Its richness balances the tartness of the cranberries and the sharpness of the mustard and onion.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a subtle tangy heat and a slightly sharp flavor that enhances the dish’s complexity without overpowering it. It pairs well with the cranberries and mayonnaise for a balanced dressing.
- Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder adds depth and a savory note, tying together the sweet and tangy elements of the dish.
- Arugula Salad: Arugula’s peppery, slightly bitter flavor balances the sweetness of the pear and cranberries while adding freshness and a vibrant green color to the plate.
- Vinaigrette (Optional): A light drizzle of vinaigrette enhances the arugula’s flavor and adds an extra layer of acidity, which complements the creaminess of the chicken salad.
Basic Steps to Meal Prep Chicken Salad
- Prep Your Ingredients: Use a sharp knife to chop the fresh cranberries into small pieces, dice the pear into bite-sized cubes, and finely dice the red onion. Roughly chop the pecans for added crunch.
- Combine the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, place the shredded chicken, cranberries, pear, red onion, and pecans.
- Make the Dressing: Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt directly into the bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Salad: Lay the arugula on a plate or in a meal prep container. Top it with a generous scoop of the chicken salad. For extra flavor, drizzle with vinaigrette just before eating
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Tips for Chicken Salad
- Store Separately: To keep everything fresh, store the chicken salad and arugula in separate containers. This prevents the arugula from wilting due to the moisture in the chicken salad. Add the vinaigrette just before serving.
- Keep Nuts Crunchy: If you like extra crunch, store pecans separately and add them to the salad just before eating.
- Use up your leftover ingredients in these other recipes
- Cranberries Alternative: Dried cranberries can be used in place of fresh for a sweeter flavor. Adjust the amount since they are more concentrated in flavor.
- Pear Substitution: Swap pears for apples or even mandarin oranges for a sweet, juicy twist.
- Nut Variations: Almonds or walnuts can replace pecans. For nut-free options, use sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Greens Swap: If arugula isn’t your favorite, try spinach, mixed greens, or kale for a different base.
- Bread or Crackers: Serve the chicken salad with whole-grain crackers or as a filling in a sandwich or wrap for a heartier meal.
- Soup Combo: Pair it with a warm winter soup, such as butternut squash or tomato basil, for a comforting and balanced lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the chicken salad last in the fridge?
The chicken salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the arugula separate to prevent wilting.
Can I use a store-bought vinaigrette?
Absolutely! A citrus-based vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette works wonderfully with the flavors in this salad.
What’s the best way to shred chicken?
For quick shredding, use two forks to pull the chicken apart. Alternatively, place the chicken in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for a few seconds.
Cranberry and Pear Chicken Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition