Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

I love making this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad because it’s a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet-tart cranberries come together in a creamy dressing that’s both rich and refreshing. It’s a light, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a healthy snack. Plus, it’s super easy to make and perfect for meal prep!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy the contrast in textures—the creamy dressing with the crunch from the pecans and the burst of sweetness from the cranberries. The flavors are light but satisfying, and it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or make a fresh batch for the week. Whether on a salad, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce, this chicken salad is always a hit!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (or toasted, if preferred)

• 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

• 1-2 stalks celery, finely chopped

• 1/2 apple (optional), diced (for extra crunch and sweetness)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer flavor)

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh parsley (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies: I start by shredding or dicing the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Then, I chop the celery, red onion, and any other vegetables or fruits (like apple) that I want to include.

2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, I whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, honey (if using), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or parsley until smooth and well combined.

3. Mix the Chicken Salad: In a large mixing bowl, I combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, red onion, pecans, cranberries, and apple (if using). I pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is coated evenly.

4. Chill and Serve: I cover the chicken salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. I serve it chilled, either on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a lettuce wrap.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Prep time is around 10 minutes, and chilling time is about 30 minutes. It’s an easy and quick meal to make, especially if you already have cooked chicken on hand!

Variations

I like to change it up by:

• Adding a handful of spinach or mixed greens to the salad for extra greens and flavor.

• Using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.

• Mixing in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.

• Adding a little celery salt or garlic powder for extra depth of flavor.

• Making it dairy-free by using vegan mayo or cashew cream instead of Greek yogurt.

Storage / Reheating

I store the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep! I don’t recommend reheating it, as it’s best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option! It adds even more flavor to the salad and saves time, making this dish even easier to prepare.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chicken salad actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Can I use fresh cranberries?
Fresh cranberries can be used, but they’re much tartar than dried cranberries. If using fresh, I recommend simmering them with a little sugar or honey to soften the tartness before adding them to the salad.

4. Can I make this salad without the nuts?
Yes, if you have a nut allergy or just prefer a nut-free version, you can leave out the pecans. You can also replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy alternative.

5. How can I make this salad spicier?
If I want to add a little heat, I can mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce or Sriracha can also add a nice kick.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy. The creamy dressing ties everything together perfectly, making it a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you serve it in a sandwich, on a salad, or in lettuce wraps, it’s always a refreshing and delicious choice. Perfect for a quick lunch or as part of a meal prep plan!