Bursting with vibrant flavors and just the right hint of sweetness and crunch, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is more than a simple lunch—it’s the kind of meal you’ll look forward to again and again! Each bite brings together juicy chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a creamy dressing with a pop of fresh herbs. Whether you’re after a satisfying make-ahead meal or a show-stopping sandwich filling, this salad makes it effortlessly delicious to eat well.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad lies in its thoughtful blend of everyday ingredients. This list keeps it simple but delicious—each item brings its own unique flair, from creamy richness to chewy sweetness and irresistible crunch.

Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): Grab a rotisserie chicken for ease, or use leftovers for maximum flavor and no waste!
Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): The classic creamy base that holds everything together and adds richness.
Plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Brings tangy freshness and lightens up the dressing—use all mayo if you prefer.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of sharpness and complexity to the dressing.
Honey (1 tablespoon, optional): A dash of sweetness to balance the tang and tie the flavors together.
Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Bright and tart, they bring cheerful pops of color and chewy texture.
Chopped pecans (1/3 cup, toasted if desired): Layer in a toasty crunch; toast them lightly to coax out extra nuttiness.
Finely chopped celery (1/4 cup): Crisp bites for freshness and a little extra snap.
Chopped red onion or green onion (2 tablespoons): A gentle bite and beautiful color for added zing.
Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon): Lifts the whole salad with bright herbal notes.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Enhances every ingredient and lets those flavors sing.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper. Give everything a firm whisk or stir until the dressing is perfectly smooth and inviting—this is the flavor backbone for your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.

Step 2: Mix in the Main Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken right into the bowl with your silky dressing, then tip in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, onion, and fresh parsley. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to gently fold all the ingredients together, ensuring every piece of chicken gets evenly coated in that creamy goodness. Marvel at all the color and texture you just created!

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Now is the time to taste and fine-tune. Does it need a little more salt? Perhaps another grind of black pepper? Make it yours with those final adjustments—this attention to detail is what will take your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad from good to unforgettable.

Step 4: Chill and Marry

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Letting your salad rest gives all the flavors a chance to mingle and develop, making every bite even more delicious and satisfying.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a handful of freshly toasted pecans provides a gorgeous finish. If you love a hint of color, add a few whole cranberries or a light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with crisp green lettuce, juicy tomato slices, or a colorful medley of raw veggies. It also pairs beautifully with crackers, crusty baguette slices, or a simple side of fruit for a perfectly rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile it high in a sandwich, wrap it snugly in a tortilla, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a low-carb option. Try serving it over a bed of mixed greens or stuff it inside halved avocados for an elegant lunch platter—this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is endlessly adaptable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing can settle a bit overnight.

Freezing

This creamy salad isn’t a great candidate for the freezer. The dairy-based dressing and fresh veggies can separate and lose their texture, so enjoy it fresh from the fridge for the best taste and quality.

Reheating

No reheating needed here—this salad shines when served cold or at cool room temperature. Simply pull it from the fridge, give it a quick mix, and it’s ready for your next meal!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds delicious flavor to Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Simply remove the skin and shred or chop the meat before adding it to your salad.

What are the best nut substitutes if I have a pecan allergy?

If you’re avoiding pecans, feel free to swap in toasted walnuts, sliced almonds, or even pumpkin seeds. Or, you can simply leave the nuts out—your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad will still be tasty and satisfying.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes! Just use all mayonnaise instead of blending with Greek yogurt. You’ll have a perfectly creamy, dairy-free Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad without any compromise on taste.

Can I make this salad in advance for a party?

Definitely. In fact, making your salad a few hours ahead lets the flavors blend beautifully. Just stir it well before serving and add any crunchy toppings or garnishes at the last moment for the freshest texture.

How can I make this salad gluten-free?

The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your mayonnaise, mustard, and any store-bought add-ins to ensure they’re certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free wraps or crackers for a worry-free meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a bowl of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad—it’s comforting, vibrant, and effortlessly impressive. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or jazzing up a lunch plate, give this recipe a go and watch it become a new favorite at your table!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 11 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 combination of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light meal or a flavorful sandwich filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or use all mayo)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped red onion or green onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large bowl, prepare the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add the ingredients: Mix in the cooked chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, red onion, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
Adjust and chill: Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Serve: Enjoy over lettuce, in a sandwich, wrapped in a tortilla, or with crackers.