Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This creamy cranberry pecan chicken salad is the perfect balance of savoury, sweet, and crunchy flavours. Tender shredded chicken is mixed with tart dried cranberries, crisp celery, crunchy pecans, and a rich, creamy dressing that makes every bite satisfying. It’s ideal for meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or a light lunch. The combination of textures and flavours turns a simple chicken salad into something truly special and comforting.

Ingredients

4 cups cooked shredded chicken
¾ cup dried cranberries
¾ cup chopped pecans
2 celery stalks, diced
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cranberries, pecans, and celery.
In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until fully coated.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavour.
Serve on croissants, toasted bread, crackers, or fresh lettuce leaves.

Description Notes

This recipe delivers a delicious contrast between creamy dressing, chewy cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Rotisserie chicken works especially well because it adds extra flavour and saves time. The Greek yoghurt lightens the dressing while keeping it creamy and rich.

Helpful Tips

Toast the pecans for deeper flavour and extra crunch.
Add diced apples or grapes for additional sweetness and texture.
Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the dressing.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For a lighter version, substitute all mayonnaise with Greek yoghurt.

Servings

Makes about 6 servings.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 390
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g

Benefits of This Recipe

High in protein, helping keep you full longer.
Pecans provide healthy fats and antioxidants.
Cranberries add natural sweetness and beneficial nutrients.
Great for meal prep and quick lunches.
Versatile enough for sandwiches, wraps, or low-carb meals.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling because the flavors blend together beautifully.

Q: Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the creamy dressing may separate after thawing.

Q: What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breast, and poached chicken all work wonderfully.

Q: Can I make it healthier?
Absolutely. Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of dried cranberries if desired.

Q: What can I serve with this salad?
Serve it with crackers, croissants, lettuce wraps, fresh greens, or sliced vegetables.

Q: Can I add extra ingredients?
Yes! Apples, grapes, onions, sunflower seeds, or fresh herbs make excellent additions.

This cranberry pecan chicken salad is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re making lunch for the week or serving guests at a gathering, this refreshing and satisfying dish is guaranteed to become a favorite.