Chicken Cranberry Pecan Salad
A flavorful and satisfying salad made with tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or served on its own for a wholesome lunch.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes (using cooked chicken)
Total Time
15 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup diced red apple (optional)
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped walnuts
- Seedless red grapes, halved
- Sliced almonds
- Chopped fresh dill
- Diced avocado
- Chopped spinach
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked chicken
- Dried cranberries
- Toasted pecans
- Celery
- Green onions
- Parsley
- Apple (if using)
Step 3: Mix
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Serve
Serve chilled:
- In croissants
- On whole-grain bread
- In lettuce wraps
- With crackers
- Over mixed greens
- Stuffed into pita pockets
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
- Toast the pecans for 3–5 minutes to enhance their nutty taste.
- Dice all ingredients evenly for the best texture.
- Chill before serving for improved flavor.
- Add the pecans just before serving if preparing ahead to keep them crunchy.
Variations
High-Protein Version
Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and add extra grilled chicken.
Low-Carb Version
Serve in lettuce cups or over spinach instead of bread.
Sweet & Savory
Add halved grapes and diced apples for extra sweetness.
Spicy Twist
Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few diced jalapeños.
Mediterranean Style
Replace cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes and pecans with toasted pine nuts.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Freezing
Not recommended.
The mayonnaise and yogurt dressing may separate and become watery after thawing.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 355
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Calcium: 60 mg
- Potassium: 390 mg
- Iron: 6% DV
- Vitamin C: 4% DV
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Allergen Information
Contains:
- Eggs (mayonnaise)
- Milk (Greek yogurt)
- Tree nuts (pecans)
May Contain:
- Soy (depending on the mayonnaise brand)
- Mustard (Dijon mustard)
Naturally Free From:
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Peanuts (unless there is cross-contact during processing)
Gluten-Free: Yes, when served without bread or with certified gluten-free bread.
Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt or replace it with additional mayonnaise.
Egg-Free Option: Use an egg-free mayonnaise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option and adds extra flavor.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. It can be prepared up to one day in advance. Add the pecans just before serving for maximum crunch.
3. Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are recommended because fresh cranberries are much more tart and firm.
4. What can I serve with this salad?
It pairs well with croissants, sandwiches, wraps, crackers, lettuce cups, fresh fruit, or a green salad.
5. Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes. Walnuts, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds are excellent alternatives.
6. How can I make it lighter?
Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and use light mayonnaise if preferred.
7. How long does it stay fresh?
It is best enjoyed within 3 days when stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
8. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely. Portion it into individual containers for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
