Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Description
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet salad packed with tender chicken, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crisp celery. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or served with crackers. The mix of savory chicken with sweet cranberries and nutty pecans creates a delicious balance of flavors that works great for lunch, meal prep, or light dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and lightly toasted
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cook and cool the chicken if not already prepared. Dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Toast the Pecans
Add pecans to a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until fragrant. Let cool completely.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
Add cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion to the chicken. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir gently until fully coated.
5. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
6. Serve
Serve chilled on croissants, toasted bread, wraps, lettuce leaves, or with crackers.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
- Add diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness and crunch.
- For a lighter version, replace more mayo with Greek yogurt.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though fresh or rotisserie chicken gives the best texture and flavor.
Q: What bread works best for serving?
Croissants, brioche buns, whole wheat bread, or buttery crackers all pair perfectly.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply skip the Greek yogurt or use a dairy-free alternative.