Recipe for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory

Cranberry pecan chicken salad is a delicious and versatile dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the crunch of pecans. Whether you serve it on sandwiches, croissants, wraps, or over a bed of greens, this easy-to-make recipe for cranberry pecan chicken salad is perfect for lunch, picnics, or meal prep.

This recipe for cranberry pecan chicken salad is packed with protein, flavor, and texture, making it a great option for a quick meal or an elegant dish for entertaining guests. In this post, we’ll walk you through the best ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make this dish perfectly every time.

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Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
3. How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
4. Serving Suggestions
5. Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
6. Variations to Try
7. How to Store Chicken Salad
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Quick & Easy – Takes just 10 minutes to assemble once the chicken is ready.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Sweet and Savory Balance – The tart cranberries and crunchy pecans complement the creamy chicken perfectly.
• Customizable – Works well with substitutions like Greek yogurt or different nuts.

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Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This simple yet flavorful recipe requires a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients:

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For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (adds a hint of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Cook and Shred the Chicken

If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, here are some easy ways to prepare it:

• Boiled Chicken: Simmer chicken breasts in salted water for 15-20 minutes, then shred.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Grilled Chicken: Adds extra smoky flavor—grill, cool, and dice into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more honey for sweetness or extra lemon juice for tanginess.

Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, red onion, and parsley.
2. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently mix until everything is well coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

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Serving Suggestions

This cranberry pecan chicken salad is incredibly versatile! Try these serving ideas:

• On a sandwich – Serve on croissants, whole wheat bread, or a toasted baguette.
• Lettuce wraps – For a low-carb option, spoon into butter lettuce leaves.
• Over greens – Serve on a bed of baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a light salad.
• With crackers – Enjoy as a dip with pita chips or whole grain crackers.

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Tips For Making The Best Recipe for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Toast the pecans for extra crunch and a deeper, nutty flavor.
• Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the dressing.
• Chill before serving – Letting it sit in the fridge enhances the flavors.
• Don’t over-mix – Stir gently to keep the texture intact.

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Variations to Try For A Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to make it lighter and higher in protein.

Apple Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Add ½ cup of diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) for extra crunch and sweetness.

Spicy Chicken Salad

For a kick, mix in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

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How to Store Chicken Salad

Refrigerating:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Stir before serving as the dressing may settle.

Freezing:

• Freezing isn’t recommended because mayonnaise and yogurt can separate.
• If needed, freeze chicken without dressing and mix fresh before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Drain and shred canned chicken for an easy shortcut.

2. What’s the best substitute for pecans?
Try walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance for the best flavor.

4. What’s a dairy-free alternative for the dressing?
Use dairy-free mayo or a blend of olive oil and Dijon mustard.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, just use full-fat mayo and omit the honey and cranberries to lower the carbs

This recipe for cranberry pecan chicken salad is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for meal prep, a family gathering, or a quick lunch, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress.

Try it today and let us know how you enjoyed it! What’s your favorite way to serve chicken salad? Drop a comment below!