There’s something about a good chicken salad that makes life easier. It’s quick to prepare, tastes amazing, and can be served in so many ways. Whether I need a simple lunch, a dish to bring to a gathering, or just a protein-packed snack to keep in the fridge, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is my go-to.

The first time I made this salad, I was looking for something different from my usual chicken salad with just mayo and celery. I had leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge and some dried cranberries from a holiday baking spree. I tossed them together with some pecans for crunch, a little Greek yogurt for creaminess, and a touch of honey for sweetness. The result? A salad that was creamy, crunchy, slightly sweet, and full of flavor.

Now, I make this recipe all the time. It’s great for meal prep, makes a fantastic sandwich, and can even be eaten straight from the bowl with a fork (not that I’ve ever done that… okay, maybe I have!).

Servings	Total
6	10mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

Like most of my favorite recipes, this one came from experimenting in my kitchen. I love traditional chicken salad, but I wanted something with a little more texture and flavor.

I first got the idea from a deli that served a chicken salad with walnuts and grapes. While I loved the crunch and sweetness, I thought cranberries and pecans would be even better together. The dried cranberries add just the right amount of chewiness and tartness, and the pecans bring a warm, nutty crunch.

After tweaking the dressing to be just the right mix of creamy, tangy, and sweet, I had my perfect version of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad—and I’ve been making it ever since.

Why Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?

Here’s why I love this recipe and why you will too:

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10-15 minutes with simple ingredients.
Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for a few days.
Sweet and Savory Balance: The cranberries add sweetness, the pecans bring crunch, and the dressing ties everything together.
Versatile: Enjoy it on sandwiches, wraps, salads, or straight from the bowl.
Protein-Packed: A filling and satisfying meal or snack.

What Is Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Made Of?

This chicken salad is a simple mix of:

Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great, but any cooked, shredded or chopped chicken will do.
Dried Cranberries: Adds sweetness and a slight tart flavor.
Pecans: Bring a nutty crunch (toasting them enhances the flavor!).
Celery: Adds freshness and crunch.
Green Onions: Mild onion flavor without being overpowering.
Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt: A creamy combination that keeps the dressing light but flavorful.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a little tang and depth.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Lemon Juice: Helps brighten up the salad and keep it fresh.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors.

What to Have with Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

On a Sandwich: Serve it on croissants, whole wheat bread, or a toasted baguette.
As a Wrap: Use a tortilla or lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.
Over Greens: Serve it on a bed of spinach, arugula, or mixed greens.
With Crackers: A great way to enjoy it as a snack or appetizer.
Stuffed in a Tomato or Avocado: A fresh and fun way to serve it.

Is Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Healthy?

Yes! This salad is full of lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients. To make it even healthier:

Use light mayo or more Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for different nutrients.
Add extra veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers.
Choose low-sodium chicken if watching salt intake.

Kitchen Equipment

You won’t need much for this recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:

Cutting board and knife (for chopping ingredients)
Mixing bowl (for tossing everything together)
Measuring cups and spoons (for exact measurements)
Spoon or spatula (for mixing)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
½ cup celery, finely chopped
¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop or shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Finely chop celery and slice green onions.
If desired, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Let them cool.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and green onions.
Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve

Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve as a sandwich, wrap, over greens, or with crackers.

Tips

Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day!
Don’t skip the lemon juice: It keeps the salad fresh and balances the flavors.
Toast the pecans: It adds depth and enhances their crunch.
Use rotisserie chicken: A great time-saver!
Add more texture: Toss in diced apples or grapes for an extra sweet and juicy bite.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge.

How long does cranberry pecan chicken salad last?
It stays fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well too.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just use all mayo instead of Greek yogurt.

What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Scoop it into small cups, serve with crackers, or stuff it into mini croissants for easy handheld bites.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. Whether you serve it in a sandwich, on a salad, or with crackers, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and great for meal prep.

Give it a try, and I promise—you’ll be making it again and again!

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