Description

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy. Tender chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans come together in a creamy dressing that’s both light and satisfying. It’s an easy, healthy, and delicious meal, perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether served in a sandwich, on a salad, or wrapped in lettuce, it’s always a hit!

Ingredients

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)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Veggies: Shred or dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery, red onion, and any other vegetables or fruits (like apple) that you want to include.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, honey (if using), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or parsley until smooth.
Mix the Chicken Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, red onion, pecans, cranberries, and apple (if using). Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a lettuce wrap.

Notes

For extra greens and flavor, you can add a handful of spinach or mixed greens to the salad.

Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Crumbled feta or goat cheese can be added for a tangy twist.

To make it dairy-free, use vegan mayo or cashew cream instead of Greek yogurt.

If you’re in a rush, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Salad, Lunch, Meal Prep
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American