Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a classic side dish that has been around for centuries. Originating in the Netherlands and brought to America by Dutch immigrants, coleslaw has become a staple in American cuisine. It is typically made with shredded cabbage, carrots, other vegetables, and a creamy dressing.
While coleslaw can be a healthy addition to your diet if made with fresh ingredients and a light dressing, it can also be high in calories and fat if made with traditional elements such as mayonnaise and sugar. In this article, we will explore the nutritional benefits of coleslaw, compare it to mayonnaise, discuss the history behind its name, and look at the ingredients typically used to make creamy coleslaw.
Table of Contents
how to make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yoghurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Two tablespoons honey
- Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine the cooked chicken, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, chopped celery, and chopped red onion in a large mixing bowl.
2. Whisk the Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a separate mixing bowl until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Serve the salad immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe.
- You can also use walnuts instead of pecans or add some sliced grapes or chopped apples for extra sweetness.
- If you prefer a creamier salad, you can adjust the dressing by adding more mayonnaise or less Greek yoghurt.
Nutritional Information:
One serving of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
Take To Prepare
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Is coleslaw good for you?
Coleslaw can be a healthy addition to your diet if made with fresh ingredients and a light dressing. Traditional coleslaw recipes often include mayonnaise and sugar, which can add extra calories and fat. However, you can make a healthier version using Greek yoghurt or a vinaigrette dressing and add plenty of fresh veggies, such as shredded cabbage, carrots, and broccoli.
Is coleslaw better than mayonnaise?
Coleslaw can be better than mayonnaise if you want a lighter and more nutritious option. Traditional mayonnaise is high in calories and fat, while coleslaw can provide more fibre and vitamins. However, it depends on the ingredients and the type of dressing used in the coleslaw recipe. If the coleslaw is made with a creamy sauce that includes mayonnaise, the nutritional value may be similar to that of mayonnaise.
Why is it called coleslaw?
The word “coleslaw” comes from the Dutch word “koolsla,” which means “cabbage salad.” Coleslaw originated in the Netherlands in the 18th century and was brought to America by Dutch immigrants. It became popular in the United States during the 19th century and has become a staple side dish in many American meals.
What is creamy coleslaw made of?
Creamy coleslaw is typically made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, such as broccoli, red onion, or bell pepper. The creamy dressing is usually made with mayonnaise, sour cream, Greek yoghurt, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Some recipes may also include mustard, celery seed, or grated onion to add flavour.
Conclusion
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a healthy and delicious meal you can enjoy anytime. It is easy to prepare, and the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores. This salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish and will become a favourite among your family and friends.