This cranberry pecan chicken salad is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all at once. Tender chicken, chewy cranberries, toasted pecans, and a creamy homemade dressing come together for a fresh and satisfying meal perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with texture and flavor
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great for sandwiches or lettuce wraps
- Sweet and savory balance
- Easy to make ahead
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried sweet cranberries
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/3 cup green onions, sliced
Creamy Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cook the chicken if needed and allow it to cool completely.
Cut into:
- bite-sized cubes
or shred with forks for a softer texture.
Place into a large mixing bowl.
2. Toast the Pecans
Place chopped pecans into a dry skillet over medium heat.
Toast for:
- 3–5 minutes
stirring often until fragrant and lightly golden.
Let cool slightly.
3. Add the Mix-Ins
To the bowl with chicken, add:
- dried cranberries
- toasted pecans
- celery
- green onions
4. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- lemon juice
- honey or maple syrup
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for:
- 30 minutes
to let the flavors blend together.
7. Serve
Serve:
- on croissants
- in sandwiches
- in wraps
- over lettuce
- with crackers
Tips
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for quick prep.
- Toasting pecans adds deeper flavor and crunch.
- Chill before serving for the best texture.
Variations
- Add diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness.
- Use walnuts instead of pecans.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Stir before serving again.
Conclusion
This cranberry pecan chicken salad is creamy, crunchy, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that works beautifully for lunches, gatherings, or easy make-ahead meals.
