This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of tender chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing. It’s great for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or served on its own. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or additional mayonnaise)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Cook and cool the chicken if not already prepared.
- Chop the pecans and celery.
- Slice the green onions.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Step 3: Combine
- In a large bowl, add:
- Chicken
- Cranberries
- Pecans
- Celery
- Green onions
- Pour the dressing over the mixture.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- This allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.
Serving Ideas
- On croissants
- In sandwich bread
- Wrapped in tortillas
- Over mixed greens
- In lettuce cups
- With crackers for a light lunch
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–340 |
| Protein | 24–28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8–12 g |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
| Sugars | 5–8 g |
| Fat | 15–20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2–3 g |
| Sodium | 250–450 mg |
Values vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Nut Information & Allergens
Contains
- Tree nuts (pecans)
- Eggs (mayonnaise, unless egg-free)
- Milk (if using Greek yogurt)
Does Not Contain
- Peanuts (unless cross-contamination occurs)
Nut Allergy Warning
Pecans are tree nuts and can trigger serious allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If serving guests with nut allergies:
- Omit pecans entirely, or
- Substitute sunflower seeds or roasted pumpkin seeds.
Always check packaged ingredients for cross-contact warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes. It tastes even better after chilling for several hours and keeps for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze chicken salad?
A: Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate when thawed.
Q: What can I use instead of pecans?
A: Try walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Q: Is it low-carb?
A: Yes. Most of the carbohydrates come from the dried cranberries.
Q: Can I add fruit?
A: Yes. Diced apples, grapes, or pears pair wonderfully with the chicken and cranberries.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.