There’s something about a well-made chicken salad that feels like the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all at once—a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is everything you love about a classic chicken salad but with a little something extra. The juicy cranberries add a pop of sweetness, while the toasted pecans bring a nutty crunch that takes it to the next level.
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Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a meal-prep-friendly option, or the perfect filling for sandwiches and wraps, this recipe has you covered. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch in the fridge at all times!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile: Serve it on a sandwich, over a salad, in a wrap, or just eat it straight from the bowl.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in minutes with no complicated steps.
Customizable: Swap the pecans for walnuts, add apples for extra crunch, or use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
Crowd-Pleasing: A perfect balance of flavors that appeals to everyone.
Ingredients in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Chicken: The heart of the dish! Cooked and shredded or cubed, rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
Dried Cranberries: Adds a sweet and tart contrast to the savory flavors.
Pecans: Toasted for extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
Celery: Brings a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess.
Red Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and color.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties everything together. You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Dijon Mustard: A little zing to enhance the flavor.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and keeps it fresh-tasting.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients: Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toast the pecans in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant.
Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Combine Everything: Add the chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: [Calorie count]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
On a Croissant: The buttery, flaky layers make the perfect sandwich.
Over Greens: Serve it on a bed of arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for a lighter meal.
In a Wrap: Use a tortilla for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
With Crackers: Makes a great dip for snacking.
Stuffed in an Avocado: A low-carb, high-flavor option!
Additional Tips
Toast the Pecans: It brings out their natural oils and makes them extra flavorful.
Let it Chill: A little time in the fridge allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Adjust the Creaminess: Add more or less mayo depending on your preference.
Make it Healthier: Swap out half the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Q2: Can I use canned chicken?
A2: You can, but freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor.
Q3: Can I add fruit?
A3: Absolutely! Try diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness.
Q4: What can I use instead of pecans?
A4: Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds all work well.
Q5: How do I make it dairy-free?
A5: Just ensure your mayo is dairy-free, and you’re good to go!
Q6: Can I freeze this chicken salad?
A6: Freezing isn’t recommended, as the mayo-based dressing can separate.
Q7: Can I add cheese?
A7: Yes! Crumbled feta or shredded cheddar adds an extra layer of flavor.
Q8: How can I make this spicy?
A8: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
Q9: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A9: Dried cranberries work best, but if using fresh, chop them finely and add a bit of honey to balance the tartness.
Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is one of those recipes that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a brunch, or just craving something fresh and flavorful, this dish has got you covered. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked—trust me, it’s a keeper!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a festive, flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings! Tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries are tossed in a creamy honey-poppy seed dressing—ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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2 tbsp honey (softened)
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp poppy seeds
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Salt to taste
Salad
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4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (~2 breasts)
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1 cup pecans, chopped
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1/2 cup dried cranberries
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4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
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Make dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt.
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Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine chicken, pecans, cranberries, and green onions.
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Toss: Pour dressing over salad and mix gently. Adjust salt if needed.
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Serve: Chill for 30+ minutes for best flavor, or enjoy immediately.
Notes
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Make ahead: Prepare dressing and chop ingredients 1 day in advance; combine before serving.
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Variations: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
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Serving ideas: Stuff into croissants, serve over greens, or with crackers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 437
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g