Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and packed with flavor in every bite. Tender shredded chicken is mixed with crisp celery, chewy dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy seasoned dressing that brings everything together perfectly. It’s one of those easy recipes that quickly becomes a weekly favorite because it works for lunch, meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or light dinners.

The sweetness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the savory chicken, while the toasted pecans add rich crunch and texture. Celery gives the salad freshness and a satisfying crisp bite, making every spoonful balanced and delicious. The creamy dressing ties everything together without feeling too heavy.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it straight from the bowl, scoop it onto croissants or sandwich bread, wrap it in lettuce leaves, or serve it with crackers for a quick snack platter. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, picnics, potlucks, and make-ahead lunches.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup celery, diced
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• ¾ cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Start by preparing the chicken. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for this recipe because it’s flavorful and saves time, but any cooked chicken breast or thighs will work well.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Stir gently so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. The Greek yogurt adds a lighter texture while keeping the dressing rich and flavorful.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Make sure the chicken absorbs the creamy dressing while the cranberries and pecans stay evenly mixed throughout the salad.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend together and gives the salad an even better texture.

Serve cold and enjoy on sandwiches, croissants, lettuce wraps, crackers, or over fresh greens.

Tips for the Best Chicken Salad

• Toast the pecans for deeper flavor and crunch.
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
• Add sliced grapes or apples for extra sweetness.
• Chill before serving for the best texture.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 7 g

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is creamy, comforting, and packed with delicious textures, making it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.