Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad : Sweet & Crunchy

Posted on May 25, 2025 · [post_author]

If there’s one meal we could eat every day and never tire of, it’s this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. It’s the perfect harmony of tender shredded chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans—all tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing that hits every note of savory and sweet.

Ideal for meal prep, quick lunches, light dinners, and entertaining, this delicious chicken salad is easy to throw together and full of satisfying texture and flavor. Serve it in a sandwich, wrap it in lettuce, scoop it on crackers, or eat it straight from the bowl with a fork (we won’t judge).

Ready to upgrade your chicken salads with something that’s anything but boring? Let’s dive in.

What Makes This Chicken Salad So Delicious and Versatile?

The beauty of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad lies in its simplicity and balance of ingredients. Here’s why this dish is a standout among pecan chicken salads:

Tender, juicy chicken provides satisfying protein
Toasted pecans add crunch and depth
Dried cranberries offer sweet, chewy bursts of flavor
Creamy dressing ties it all together with tang and richness
Make-ahead friendly and perfect for storing in the fridge

It’s a super salad that transforms leftovers or rotisserie chicken into a flavorful, protein-packed meal with very little effort.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad (With Exact Measurements)

This recipe yields about 4–6 servings and can easily be doubled for meal prep or parties.

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped toasted pecans
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
¼ cup finely chopped celery
¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for added sweetness)

These ingredients combine for the perfect chicken pecan salad—rich, creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough.

Tools You’ll Need to Make This Super Salad Easily at Home

One of the best parts of this recipe is how little you need to make it:

Cutting board and sharp knife
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula for mixing
Airtight container for storage

That’s it—no cooking required if you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the chicken
If you haven’t already, cook and shred or dice your chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken works great here.

Step 2: Toast the pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. This enhances their nutty flavor.

Step 3: Mix the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice (or vinegar), salt, pepper, and optional honey or maple syrup.

Step 4: Combine ingredients
Add chicken, cranberries, toasted pecans, celery, and red onion to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with dressing.

Step 5: Taste and chill
Adjust seasoning if needed, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Spoon into lettuce cups, pile onto whole grain bread, or serve in a bowl with crackers and fresh veggies.

This quick and easy process creates a cranberry chicken salad that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet deli.

Tips for Juicy Chicken, Crunchy Pecans, and Balanced Flavors

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and built-in flavor
Dice chicken finely for better texture and easier mixing
Toast the pecans to bring out their natural oils and crunch
Chop celery and onion small so they don’t overpower the salad
Let it rest in the fridge before serving for best flavor development

With these tips, your pecan salad will hit every texture and taste note just right.

Variations and Add-Ins: Make It Your Own

There are so many ways to tweak this chicken salad to suit your preferences or use what you have:

Greek Yogurt Swap: Replace some or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt for added protein and tang.
Add grapes: Halve red or green grapes for a juicy, fresh bite.
Try apples: Diced apple adds a crisp, tart-sweet contrast.
Herbs: Add chopped parsley, dill, or chives for brightness.
Spice it up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.

It’s also easy to double or halve, making it a smart choice for both single-serve meals and super salads for gatherings.

Serving Ideas: Sandwiches, Lettuce Wraps, and Entertaining Platters

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve it:

Classic Sandwich: Serve on toasted sourdough, multigrain, or croissants.
Lettuce Cups: Spoon into butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a low-carb option.
Stuffed Avocados: Hollow out avocado halves and fill with salad.
Snack Board Style: Serve with crackers, sliced cucumbers, and bell pepper strips.
Wrap it up: Use whole wheat or spinach wraps for an easy lunch-on-the-go.

This recipe isn’t just a salad—it’s a full meal disguised as a light, refreshing dish.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips for Busy Weeks

This delicious chicken salad is perfect for meal prepping:

Double the recipe and portion into airtight containers
Store in fridge up to 4 days without losing texture or flavor
Great for work lunches, school lunches, or post-gym snacks
Keep dressing separate if you want to prep components ahead and mix fresh

It’s one of those super salads that gets better after a day in the fridge as the flavors continue to develop.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Salad Safely

Refrigerate immediately in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Avoid freezing—the mayo or yogurt will separate and change texture.

Pack cold with an ice pack if you’re taking it on the go, especially in warm weather.

Safe storage ensures your cranberry chicken salad stays fresh, flavorful, and safe to enjoy.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values (based on 6 servings using mayo):

Calories: 290
Protein: 20 g
Fat: 19 g
Saturated fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Sugar: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 390 mg

Using Greek yogurt and reducing cranberries will lower fat and sugar while boosting protein.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken provides better texture and flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free mayo and skip Greek yogurt.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can I make this keto-friendly?
Yes. Use full-fat mayo, skip the honey, and reduce the cranberries slightly.

Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are recommended for texture and sweetness. Fresh cranberries are too tart unless cooked down.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a go-to dish you’ll crave again and again. With its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and nutritional balance, it’s the perfect answer to lunch, dinner, or anything in between.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing a lunchbox, or meal prepping for the week, this salad delivers all the flavor and none of the fuss.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends, pin it to your favorite salad board, and subscribe to the blog for more wholesome, easy-to-make recipes that never get boring.

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