Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a fresh salad topping, this recipe offers the ideal balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad is quick to prepare, packed with texture, and bursting with flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, chewy cranberries, and nutty pecans makes it a delicious and versatile meal prep option. Whether served on croissants, in lettuce cups, or on crackers, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked chicken breasthomemade or store-bought mayonnaiseGreek yogurt (optional, for a lighter version)dried cranberrieschopped pecanscelery stalks (diced)red onion (finely chopped)Dijon mustardlemon juicegarlic powdersalt and pepper

directions

Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.

Add the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and red onion to the bowl.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.

Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.

Add halved grapes or diced apples for extra sweetness and crunch.

Try it with a touch of curry powder for a spiced twist.

Replace mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a dairy-free option.

storage/reheating

Store cranberry pecan chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Do not freeze, as the texture may become watery when thawed.Serve cold or allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, though fresh or rotisserie chicken provides better texture.

Do I have to use both mayo and yogurt?

No, you can use just mayo or just Greek yogurt depending on your taste and dietary preference.

How do I keep the pecans crunchy?

Add pecans just before serving if you’re preparing the salad in advance to maintain their crunch.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all the ingredients (including condiments) are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to serve this salad?

It’s great on a croissant, whole grain bread, in a lettuce wrap, or scooped onto mixed greens.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors meld.

Conclusion

This Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it a go-to meal for lunch, picnics, or potlucks. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying. Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your recipe collection.