If there’s one dish that truly captures the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, it’s Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. This vibrant salad is more than just your average lunchtime fix—every forkful is a blend of juicy chicken, chewy cranberries, toasty pecans, and crisp veggies, all wrapped up in a creamy dressing that has just the right zing. Whether you’re packing a picnic, prepping for busy weekdays, or just craving something deliciously satisfying, this recipe is about to become a mainstay in your kitchen, just as it is in mine!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the wonderfully simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients you’ll need for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Each component has its moment to shine: from the hearty chicken that forms the salad’s backbone, to the pops of sweetness and crunch, every ingredient brings something unique in taste, texture, or even a splash of color.

Cooked chicken breast (2 cups): Start with either shredded or chopped chicken breast—rotisserie chicken works perfectly if you want to save time.
Dried cranberries (1/3 cup): These add a tangy sweetness and vibrant color to the salad, making every bite more interesting.
Chopped pecans, toasted (1/3 cup): Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and gives the salad irresistible crunch.
Finely chopped celery (1/4 cup): Celery brings crisp freshness and a subtle peppery note that lightens up every scoop.
Chopped red onion (1/4 cup): The red onion offers sharpness and color contrast with just the right bite.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Mayo is essential for that creamy, rich dressing; you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Dijon gives the dressing a savory depth and a bit of tang that balances the sweetness from the cranberries.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brightens the whole dish and helps flavors mingle together.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Seasoning is key—don’t be shy about adding a little extra to make the flavors pop to your liking.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Combine the Chicken and Mix-Ins

Begin by placing your cooked chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add the dried cranberries, toasted pecans, finely chopped celery, and red onion. These ingredients are the heart of the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad and set up the perfect texture contrasts—soft and chewy meet crunchy and crisp—so don’t skimp on mixing them well together.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Take a moment here to taste the dressing before you pour it over the chicken—the lemon and mustard should shine through without overwhelming the mayo’s creaminess. If you’re feeling creative, try swapping half the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten things up while keeping it lusciously creamy.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the dressing directly over your chicken mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every bit of chicken and every cranberry gets coated. This is where everything comes together to truly become the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad you’ll soon be craving. Taste and adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt or black pepper if needed.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Transfer your finished salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This little rest gives the flavors a chance to blend and marry—plus, the cool temperature makes the salad even more refreshing when you serve it.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle some extra toasted pecans or a few more dried cranberries over the top for added color and crunch. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh green touch and a light herbal lift, making the dish look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad shines alongside so many sides. Try serving it with crisp lettuce leaves, crunchy crackers, or fresh croissants for a light lunch. It also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some sliced fruit on the side if you’re aiming for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

This salad isn’t only about sandwiches (though it’s killer tucked into a fluffy brioche bun!). Spoon it into halved avocados, hollowed-out bell peppers, or cucumber boats for a fun and healthy twist. Hosting a party? Serve scoops of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad atop endive leaves for easy, elegant finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad packed tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making it a perfect grab-and-go option for busy workdays or snacking between meals.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this salad, it’s not ideal—the mayonnaise can separate and the celery may lose its crispness after thawing. It’s best enjoyed freshly made or from the fridge, but if you need to freeze, try doing so before adding the mayo and dressing, and mix them in after thawing.

Reheating

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is truly meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just give it a gentle stir and serve! If it’s been in the refrigerator for a day or two and seems a little dry, try adding a spoonful of fresh mayo or a splash of lemon juice to perk it up.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?

Absolutely—rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver here! Just shred or chop the meat and proceed with the recipe as usual. It brings tons of flavor and makes prepping this salad super quick.

What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, feel free to leave out the pecans completely or swap them for sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and nutty flavor without the risk.

How do I make this salad lighter or healthier?

For a lighter Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, try swapping half (or all) of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. It maintains that beloved creaminess while adding tang and lowering the calories and fat.

Can I make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in advance for entertaining?

This salad is actually better when made ahead! You can make it up to two days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. It’s perfect for meal prepping or occasions when you want stress-free hosting.

What other mix-ins work well in this chicken salad?

Diced apples, halved red grapes, or even a handful of fresh herbs like tarragon or dill make fantastic additions if you want to put your own spin on Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. It’s a flexible, forgiving recipe—so feel free to make it your own!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to level up your salad game, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a must-try. It’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly adaptable—so I hope you’ll try it, share it with friends, and fall in love with every delicious bite!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a light and satisfying meal. The sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tender chicken are all brought together with a creamy dressing that has a hint of tanginess.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped red onion

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until coated.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve: Enjoy on lettuce, as a sandwich, or with crackers.