Description

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a creamy, sweet, and savory dish made with tender cooked chicken, crunchy pecans, chewy dried cranberries, crisp celery, and a flavorful mayonnaise-based dressing. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, crackers, or served over a bed of fresh greens. This recipe is easy to prepare, meal-prep friendly, and ideal for lunches, picnics, or light dinners.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (using cooked chicken)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings

6 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• ¾ cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for a lighter dressing)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Allow them to cool.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Add the cooked chicken, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and parsley.

Step 4

Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Step 6

Serve chilled on croissants, sandwich bread, wraps, lettuce leaves, crackers, or mixed greens.

Recipe Notes

• Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience.
• Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor.
• Chill before serving for the best texture.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
• Dice the chicken evenly for a consistent texture.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken for better flavor.
• Pat the chicken dry if it’s very moist.
• Add diced apples or grapes for extra freshness.
• Stir gently to keep the chicken from breaking apart.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Variations

• Add sliced red grapes.
• Mix in diced apples.
• Use walnuts instead of pecans.
• Add chopped bacon.
• Replace mayonnaise with all Greek yogurt.
• Add avocado just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Croissant sandwiches
• Whole wheat bread
• Lettuce wraps
• Crackers
• Stuffed tomatoes
• Over spinach or mixed greens
• In pita pockets

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Not recommended, as the dressing may separate after thawing.

Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 29 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Sugars: 8 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Potassium: 410 mg

Values are approximate and vary based on specific ingredients used.

Health Benefits

• High in protein to support muscle maintenance and help you stay full.
• Pecans provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants.
• Dried cranberries add antioxidants and natural sweetness.
• Celery contributes fiber, hydration, and crunch.
• Greek yogurt (if used) increases protein while reducing some of the fat from mayonnaise.
• Suitable for meal prep and portion-controlled lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.

2. Can I make it ahead?

Yes. It tastes even better after chilling for several hours or overnight.

3. Can I use fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are very tart. Dried cranberries are recommended for the classic flavor and texture.

4. What can I substitute for pecans?

Walnuts, sliced almonds, or cashews all work well.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the salad itself is gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps if needed.

6. How long does it last?

Properly refrigerated, it stays fresh for up to 4 days.

7. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Simply omit the Greek yogurt and use all mayonnaise, or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

8. Can I reduce the calories?

Use light mayonnaise or replace part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

9. What vegetables can I add?

Diced cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, or chopped spinach are all good additions.

10. What pairs well with cranberry pecan chicken salad?

Fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, soup, potato chips, pasta salad, or a simple green salad make excellent side dishes.