Nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty salad that feels both nourishing and delicious. Enter Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad—a perfect balance of juicy chicken, crunchy pecans, tart dried cranberries, and creamy dressing. Whether you’re packing lunches, preparing a refreshing dinner, or hosting guests, this salad delivers flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
Table of Contents
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Balanced flavors: Sweet cranberries, savory chicken, nutty pecans
- Textures that pop: Crunch meets creaminess in every bite
- Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prep & grab-and-go
- Versatile base: Serve as a wrap, sandwich, or salad topping
- Easy to customize: Swap nuts, fruit, or add greens
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast | 2 cups, shredded or diced |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup |
| Pecans | ½ cup, toasted & chopped |
| Celery stalks | 2, finely chopped |
| Green onions | 2, sliced |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Greek yogurt (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tsp |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Honey (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Optional extras | Apple cubes, grapes, or herbs |
👩🍳 How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
🔹 Step 1: Prep the Base
- Combine chicken, cranberries, toasted pecans, celery, and green onions in a large bowl.
🔹 Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a smaller bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey (optional), salt, and pepper until smooth.
🔹 Step 3: Toss & Taste
- Pour dressing over chicken mixture.
- Gently toss until well-coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lemon or honey if needed.
🔹 Step 4: Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve over a bed of greens, in a whole-grain sandwich, or wrapped in a tortilla.
🔄 Variations You’ll Want to Try
- Waldorf-style: Replace cranberries with halved grapes and add apple cubes.
- Lightened-up: Swap half the mayo for extra Greek yogurt.
- Spicy kick: Stir in ½ tsp curry powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- Green upgrade: Add chopped spinach or arugula for more freshness.
- Nut swap: Almonds, walnuts, or pistachios work beautifully too.
🍱 When to Enjoy
This salad shines in many scenarios:
- Meal prep lunches – Pair with whole grain bread or crackers
- Weekend brunch – Serve inside avocado halves or lettuce cups
- Potlucks and picnics – Crowd-pleasing and transportable
- Easy dinners – Skip sides—just add bread or a grain bowl base
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Don’t add extra dressing until ready to serve to maintain crunch
- Freeze well? Chicken freezes fine, but nuts and cranberries may soften—best fresh
❓ FAQ: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It saves time and adds rich flavor—perfect for quick prep.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—just skip the Greek yogurt or swap it for dairy-free mayo or coconut yogurt.
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Toss chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Can I add more veggies?
Of course! Peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots all provide texture and freshness.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad combines so many delicious elements—sweet, savory, creamy, crunchy—into one easy dish. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeks, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave something satisfying without the fuss.