Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
There’s something about a good chicken salad that just 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!).
Equipment
- 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
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- 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.
- Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve as a sandwich, wrap, over greens, or with crackers.