If you’re in the mood for a fresh, satisfying, and slightly indulgent meal, then these Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps are the perfect choice! Imagine juicy chicken, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. These wraps strike the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and crunchy, making them perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want to make these over and over again!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps
- Light but Satisfying: These wraps are hearty enough to fill you up without weighing you down. The chicken provides protein, the cranberries add a touch of sweetness, and the pecans give a satisfying crunch.
- Quick and Easy: If you’re in need of a meal that’s simple to put together but still feels special, these wraps have you covered. Minimal prep, maximum flavor!
- Healthy-ish: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the pecans, and a burst of antioxidants from the cranberries, this is a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
- Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to fit your tastes. Want more veggies? Add some greens like spinach or arugula. Prefer a lighter dressing? Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo. It’s super adaptable!
Ingredients
This recipe is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients that combine beautifully to create a delicious wrap:
- Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breast. Either way, the tender chicken is the star of this wrap.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries bring a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, making this chicken salad feel extra special.
- Mayonnaise: For creaminess. If you prefer, swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Celery: Finely diced celery adds a refreshing crunch and a bit of crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy dressing.
- Green Onion: A little chopped green onion brings a mild oniony bite to the mix.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the salad, adding a fresh, zesty note.
- Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are the best option for wrapping up this chicken salad, but you can swap them for whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if you prefer.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to wrap up some deliciousness? Let’s go!
1. Prepare the Chicken Salad:
Start by chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and green onions.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—if you like it a bit more tangy, add a touch more lemon juice!
3. Combine and Mix:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. The creaminess of the mayo (or Greek yogurt) should bring all the ingredients together beautifully.
4. Assemble the Wraps:
Place your tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad into the center of each tortilla. Spread it out a bit, leaving room at the edges for folding.
5. Roll ‘Em Up:
Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom, securing the filling inside. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the wraps into halves or thirds, depending on your preference. These wraps are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. Serve them with a side of chips, veggies, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 21g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps
These wraps are tasty on their own, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even better:
- With Chips: Pair your wraps with crunchy potato chips or even baked tortilla chips for that extra crunch!
- With a Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette, for a refreshing contrast to the creamy wraps.
- As a Light Picnic Meal: These wraps are perfect for packing in a picnic basket. Add some fresh fruit or a refreshing cucumber salad for a summery lunch.
- On a Platter: Cut the wraps into smaller portions and serve them on a platter at parties or gatherings as a delicious finger food option.
Additional Tips
- Add Some Greens: If you’re looking to make your wraps even more nutritious, add a handful of leafy greens like spinach or arugula inside the tortilla before rolling up the chicken salad.
- Make Ahead: You can make the chicken salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just wrap the tortillas when you’re ready to eat.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds even more flavor to the wraps.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to boost the veggie content, feel free to throw in some shredded carrots or even chopped apples for an extra crunch and sweetness.
- Try a Different Nut: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds would work beautifully as substitutes!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different protein?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for turkey, ham, or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Q2: Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the chicken salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just assemble the wraps when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: Can I use a different dressing?
A3: Definitely! If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a light vinaigrette for a different flavor.
Q4: Are these wraps gluten-free?
A4: If you use gluten-free tortillas, these wraps can easily be made gluten-free. Just make sure to check the label of the tortillas you use.
Q5: How can I make these wraps spicier?
A5: If you like a little heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a handful of diced jalapeños to the chicken salad.
Q6: Can I freeze these wraps?
A6: While the chicken salad filling freezes well, the tortillas may get soggy once thawed. It’s best to freeze the filling and assemble the wraps fresh.
Q7: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A7: Fresh cranberries would be too tart for this recipe, but if you want a more unique flavor, you could cook the fresh cranberries down into a quick jam and add that to the salad.
Q8: Can I add cheese to the wraps?
A8: Yes! A bit of shredded cheddar or mozzarella would add a nice creamy and melty element to the wraps.
Q9: Can I make these wraps vegetarian?
A9: Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken for chickpeas or another plant-based protein. The cranberries and pecans still make it wonderfully delicious.
Q10: Can I add a side dish to make this meal more filling?
A10: If you want to make it a more hearty meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or even a simple pasta salad.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps are an absolute treat! They’re refreshing, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or something to serve at a gathering, these wraps are sure to hit the spot. With the balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements, you’ll be savoring every bite. Give them a try, and I’m sure you’ll be adding them to your regular meal rotation!
PrintCranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Wraps are the perfect combination of savory chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. A light and satisfying lunch or dinner that’s easy to make and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- 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
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup mixed greens or lettuce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Shred or dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and mixed greens (if using).
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the wraps: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken salad mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
- Wrap and serve: Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly. Slice in half and serve immediately or wrap tightly for meal prep.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, you can add some celery or apple slices to the salad.
- If you’re meal prepping, wrap the individual servings in foil or parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days.
- You can also serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Salad, Wraps
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg