Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Croissant
Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic chicken salad with our Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Croissant. This refreshing sandwich combines tender, cubed chicken with the sweet tang of dried cranberries, the crunchy texture of pecans, and the fresh bite of green onions. Complimented by a creamy dressing of mayonnaise and light yogurt, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for lunch or a light snack. Served in flaky, buttery croissants and layered with crisp lettuce, this sandwich is a gourmet treat that will leave your taste buds dancing.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cubed cooked chicken
2 cups (cooked and cubed)
dried cherries
1/2 cup (measured)
chopped pecans
1/4 cup (chopped)
green onions
3 (sliced thinly)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (measured)
light plain yogurt
1/4 cup (measured)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
lettuce leaf
4 (washed and dried)
plain croissants
4 (split in half)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and sliced green onions. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, lemon juice, and a healthy sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper.
3
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
5
When ready to assemble, slice the croissants in half horizontally and place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half.
6
Spoon a generous portion of the chilled chicken salad onto the lettuce, then replace the top half of the croissant.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Croissant?
The recipe uses 2 cups of cooked and cubed chicken as the main protein source.
Which dried fruit is included in the ingredient list?
The ingredient list specifies 1/2 cup of dried cherries, though the description also mentions dried cranberries as a flavorful option.
What kind of nuts are used for crunch in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped pecans to provide a crunchy texture.
How many croissants does this recipe prepare?
This recipe is designed to fill 4 plain croissants.
What ingredients make up the creamy dressing?
The dressing is a mixture of mayonnaise, light plain yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh ground black pepper.
How long should the chicken salad be refrigerated before serving?
It is recommended to cover and refrigerate the salad for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken that has been cubed is an excellent time-saving option for this recipe.
What type of onions are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 green onions that should be sliced thinly.
Is there a specific way to prepare the croissants?
The croissants should be split in half horizontally before assembling the sandwich.
Does this recipe include celery?
No, this recipe uses pecans and green onions for texture instead of traditional celery.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the role of the light plain yogurt in the dressing?
The light plain yogurt is used to compliment the mayonnaise, creating a lighter and more balanced creamy dressing.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The 4 lettuce leaves should be washed and dried before being placed on the croissant bottom.
Is this chicken salad recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an "easy recipe" and a "quick meal" because it involves simple mixing and assembly.
Can I substitute the dried cherries with something else?
Yes, the recipe description suggests dried cranberries as a great alternative to dried cherries.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-distributed?
You should whisk the dressing ingredients in a separate small bowl first, then pour it over the chicken mixture and toss gently.
What kind of black pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Is this sandwich suitable for a light snack?
Yes, the description identifies this sandwich as an ideal choice for both lunch and a light snack.
How do I assemble the final sandwich?
Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of a sliced croissant, spoon on a generous portion of chicken salad, and top with the other croissant half.
Can I garnish the sandwich further?
Yes, you can garnish the assembled sandwich with additional black pepper if desired.
What is the texture of the croissants used?
The recipe suggests using flaky, buttery plain croissants.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
Is the chicken salad served warm or cold?
The salad is meant to be chilled and served cold.
Can I make this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more servings.
What gives the salad its "tang"?
The tang comes from the combination of dried fruit, lemon juice, and plain yogurt.
Can I substitute the pecans with walnuts?
Yes, walnuts would make an excellent substitute for pecans if you prefer their flavor or have them on hand.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover chicken salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
There is no added granulated sugar, though the dried cherries or cranberries contain natural sweetness.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
The recipe is tagged as healthy, largely due to the use of lean chicken and light yogurt in the dressing.
Can I toast the croissants before filling them?
While the recipe doesn't specify toasting, lightly toasting the croissants can add an extra layer of texture and warmth.