Delightful Lettuce Boats Filled with Creamy Chicken Salad, Dotted with Cranberries and Pecans. Perfect for a refreshing meal that pairs well with any occasion, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, celery, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
- Add the Dijon mustard and honey to the mixture, stirring until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Carefully wash and dry the lettuce leaves, ensuring they remain intact for filling.
- Spoon the chicken salad mixture into each lettuce leaf, creating a generous portion in each boat.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for a chilled option.
Variation
- Swap pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Add sliced grapes for extra sweetness and freshness.
- Use turkey instead of chicken for a post-Thanksgiving twist.
Cooking Notes
- For enhanced flavor, toast the pecans before chopping.
- Allow the chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- A small squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water.
- Serve as a refreshing appetizer at a summer BBQ.
- Accompany with a side of sliced fresh fruits, such as apples or pears.
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prep.
- Keep the chicken salad refrigerated and assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can this recipe be made ahead?
Answer: Yes, prepare the chicken salad up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Assemble just before serving. - What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
Answer: You can substitute with sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. - Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
Answer: You can use additional Greek yogurt or try mashed avocado for a mayo-free recipe. - How long will leftovers keep?
Answer: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without the lettuce.
Conclusion
Festive Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Lettuce Boats are a perfect fusion of flavors and textures, offering a refreshing meal option that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying a light lunch, these lettuce boats provide a healthy blend of protein, sweetness, and crunch that will satisfy any palate.
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Festive Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Lettuce Boats
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delightful Lettuce Boats Filled with Creamy Chicken Salad, Dotted with Cranberries and Pecans. Perfect for a refreshing meal that pairs well with any occasion, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, celery, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
- Add the Dijon mustard and honey to the mixture, stirring until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Carefully wash and dry the lettuce leaves, ensuring they remain intact for filling.
- Spoon the chicken salad mixture into each lettuce leaf, creating a generous portion in each boat.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for a chilled option.
Notes
- Ensure the lettuce is fresh and crispy for the best texture.
- Adjust honey and mustard to taste if a different sweetness or tanginess is desired.
- This dish can be made up to a day in advance, stored without the lettuce, and assembled before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lettuce boat
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken salad, cranberry, pecan, lettuce boats, healthy, lunch, refreshing
