Indulge in creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad—juicy chicken, sweet-tart cranberries & crunchy pecans. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or meal prep bliss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is how effortlessly everything comes together. Every ingredient plays its own starring role, offering either a burst of flavor, a satisfying crunch, or a pop of color—the kind of blend that instantly brightens up any lunch routine.
- Cooked chicken: Use rotisserie, baked, or poached chicken for easy prep—just make sure it’s well-chilled and either shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Dried cranberries: These deliver a subtle sweetness and beautiful color, balancing the savory notes of the salad.
- Chopped pecans: Toast them briefly for extra crunch and a nutty depth that ties the whole dish together.
- Celery: Dice it small for a pleasant, refreshing crunch in every bite.
- Red onion: Finely chop for a gentle bite and splash of color without overpowering the salad.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings all the ingredients together; you can use light mayo if you like it a bit lighter.
- Dijon mustard: This tangy element adds zip and depth to the otherwise creamy dressing.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash makes the flavors pop and keeps the salad tasting fresh.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste; a little goes a long way in pulling every flavor into perfect balance.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Start by gathering your cooked chicken, whether it’s leftover from last night or fresh from a store-bought rotisserie. Place the shredded or chopped chicken into a large mixing bowl, followed by the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion. By adding everything to the bowl at once, each bite will have the perfect ratio of meat, crunch, and sweet chewiness.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. The dressing should be smooth and creamy, with a beautiful balance of tang, richness, and brightness. If you like a little extra zing, add another splash of lemon juice or a pinch more mustard here.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the luscious dressing over your chicken mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss everything together until every ingredient is generously coated. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes all it needs is a touch more salt or pepper to make the flavors just right.
Step 4: Chill to Let Flavors Meld
Transfer your finished salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This step may test your patience, but it’s truly worth it! Chilling gives all the ingredients a chance to mingle, and the result is a Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad that tastes even better after a little rest.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the fun part—serving! Spoon your beautifully chilled salad onto croissants, wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves, or set out a plate of crackers for an easy, elegant lunch. No matter how you serve it, this salad always gets rave reviews.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Elevate your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, for a burst of green and a touch of freshness. A handful of extra dried cranberries or toasted pecans on top adds even more color and a little extra texture for that wow factor.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderful paired with light side dishes like a crisp green salad or a refreshing fruit plate. You could also offer a cup of soup, like tomato basil or butternut squash, to make the meal feel extra cozy and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in halved avocados, hollowed-out bell peppers, or even as sliders on mini brioche buns. For parties, try scooping it onto endive leaves or cucumber slices for pretty, bite-sized appetizers. The possibilities are endless and oh-so-fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it just as delicious for lunchboxes and quick snacks as it is for sharing at gatherings. The flavors actually continue to improve overnight!
Freezing
While you technically can freeze this salad, the mayonnaise and celery may lose their lovely texture when thawed. If you want to freeze it, try freezing the chicken mixture without the dressing, then add the dressing freshly made after thawing for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
There’s really no need to reheat Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad as it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’re using chilled leftovers straight from the fridge, let the salad sit out for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can fully shine.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also stays moist and flavorful in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Just remove the skin and bones, then chop or shred the meat as needed.
Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
You can easily swap regular mayonnaise for light mayo or even plain Greek yogurt. It keeps the salad creamy with a little tang and reduces the calories without sacrificing taste or texture.
What if I don’t have pecans?
No pecans? No problem! Try using walnuts, sliced almonds, or even cashews for a different nutty crunch. The salad is very forgiving and customizable to whatever nuts you have on hand.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prepping. Make it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated—it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld.
Are there other ingredients I can add?
Feel free to get creative! Many people love adding apples for more sweetness, swapping onions for scallions, or stirring in a handful of fresh herbs. Experiment with your favorites to put your unique spin on this dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about a dish that’s as delightful and dependable as Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Give it a try—you might just discover it’s the kind of recipe you come back to week after week. Happy cooking!
You Might Also Love
If you enjoyed this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, here are a few more tasty recipes that pair beautifully or carry that same cozy vibe:
Try the Melty Turkey Cranberry Sliders for another sweet-savory combo — they’re perfect for holiday leftovers or an easy crowd-pleaser. If you’re into comforting classics, the Copycat Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken has a crispy, cheesy crust you’ll absolutely crave. Want something light and colorful on the side? The Zesty Carrot Salad adds a fresh, crunchy contrast. And for dessert, the Southern Pecan Butter Cake is rich, nutty, and downright dreamy. Finally, for something savory with a little kick, check out these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas — they’re quick, melty, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This cranberry pecan chicken salad combines tender, savory chicken with sweet-tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect lunch for meal prep or entertaining, delicious served in a sandwich, lettuce wrap, or with crackers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion. Gently toss to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become extra refreshing.
- Serve: Spoon the cranberry pecan chicken salad onto a croissant, wrap in crisp lettuce leaves, or enjoy with crackers for a satisfying meal or snack.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
- Rotisserie chicken works well for quick prep.
- Add diced apples for an extra crunch and touch of sweetness.
- The salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 56mg