Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

A creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet chicken salad made with tender chicken, tart dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and a flavorful dressing. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, croissants, lettuce cups, or served on its own for a quick lunch.

Servings

6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes if using cooked chicken
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
• ½ cup celery, finely diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Place the cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl. If using chicken breasts, shred or dice them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add the mix-ins: Add the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, red onion, and parsley.
3. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Season: Taste and add additional salt, pepper, lemon juice, or honey according to your preference.
6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend.
7. Serve: Enjoy on croissants, bread, tortillas, lettuce leaves, crackers, or over a bed of greens.

Description Notes

• Flavor: Creamy, savory, tangy, and mildly sweet.
• Texture: Tender chicken with chewy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery.
• Best chicken: Rotisserie chicken is especially convenient and flavorful.
• Make-ahead: The salad can be prepared several hours ahead and refrigerated until serving.
• Serving idea: For a party, serve it in mini croissants or lettuce cups.

Tips

• Toast the pecans for 3–5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for deeper flavor. Let them cool before adding.
• For a lighter salad, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Add ½ cup diced apple or grapes for extra freshness and sweetness.
• For extra tang, add a little more lemon juice or Dijon mustard.
• Don’t add warm chicken to the dressing; cool cooked chicken first.
• Keep the pecans separate until serving if you want maximum crunch.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3–4 days.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:

Nutrition will vary depending on the chicken, mayonnaise, yogurt, cranberries, and other brands used.

Benefits

• High in protein: Chicken provides protein that supports muscle maintenance and helps promote fullness.
• Healthy fats: Pecans provide predominantly unsaturated fats along with plant-based nutrients.
• Antioxidant-rich ingredients: Cranberries and pecans contain various antioxidant compounds.
• Calcium and probiotics: Greek yogurt can contribute calcium and, depending on the product, live cultures.
• Vegetable nutrients: Celery, onion, and parsley add vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.
• Balanced meal: Pairing the salad with whole-grain bread or leafy greens can make it a more complete meal.

Recipe Q&A

Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes. This is an excellent recipe for leftover roasted, baked, or rotisserie chicken.

Can I make it without mayonnaise?
Yes. Use plain Greek yogurt, or a combination of Greek yogurt and mashed avocado.

Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews can all work well.

Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are recommended because they provide the characteristic sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture. Fresh cranberries are much more tart and firm.

Can I add grapes?
Yes. Halved seedless grapes are a delicious addition and complement the cranberries and pecans.

How long does cranberry pecan chicken salad last?
Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and use it within 3–4 days.

Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing is generally not recommended because mayonnaise and yogurt-based dressings can separate and become watery after thawing.

What is the best way to serve it?
Try it on a croissant, toasted bread, tortilla wrap, lettuce leaves, crackers, or a green salad.

Can I make it ahead for a party?
Yes. Prepare it several hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. For the best texture, add the pecans shortly before serving.