Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Name: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped; 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Jump to Recipe

A refreshing and flavorful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad combining tender shredded chicken with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing—perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or light lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this cranberry pecan chicken salad because it balances sweet, savory, and crunchy textures in every bite. The dried cranberries add a pleasant tartness that complements the rich creaminess of the dressing, while the pecans provide satisfying crunch. It’s super quick to make, needs no cooking beyond preparing the chicken, and is versatile enough to serve on sandwiches, wraps, or just over fresh greens. This recipe always feels like a special treat without any fuss.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

3/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

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

Directions

In a large bowl, I combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion.

In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.

I pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Then I taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

I refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

When ready, I serve the salad chilled on a bed of greens, in sandwiches, wraps, or with crackers. I like to garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a fresh touch.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds depending on what I have on hand. For a lighter version, I replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which adds tanginess and reduces calories. To give it a bit more zing, I occasionally add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a sweeter touch, extra dried cranberries or a splash of maple syrup works well. If I want a creamier texture, adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream makes it even richer.

Storage/Reheating

I store this chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. Because it contains mayonnaise or yogurt, I never freeze it. When I’m ready to eat leftovers, I enjoy it cold straight from the fridge—no reheating needed. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Related Recipes:

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely. Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavor and saves time. I just shred the meat and use it as is.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I like making it a few hours or even the night before serving. It tastes better once the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge.

What can I serve with cranberry pecan chicken salad?

I often serve it in sandwiches or wraps, but it’s also great on a bed of mixed greens, with crackers, or stuffed inside pita pockets.

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?

Yes. You can swap the mayonnaise for a dairy-free mayo and skip any optional garnishes that contain dairy.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise lowers fat and calories while keeping it creamy. Adding more celery or other crunchy veggies boosts fiber and nutrients.

Conclusion

I find this cranberry pecan chicken salad to be a perfect combination of textures and flavors that’s both easy and elegant. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to when I want something quick, nutritious, and satisfying. Whether as a light lunch or a tasty sandwich filling, it’s sure to please anyone who tries it. Give it a go—I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.