Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers bold flavor, satisfying crunch, and a beautiful blend of savory and sweet, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is about to become your new favorite lunch. This salad brings together juicy, tender chicken, tart dried cranberries, toasty pecans, and crisp veggies all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. Whether you scoop it onto a bed of greens, pile it onto a croissant, or snack straight from the bowl, this recipe is proof that chicken salad doesn’t have to be boring.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad proves you don’t need a long shopping haul for big flavor. Each component brings something special—sweet, crunch, tang, or creaminess—to every single bite. Let’s break it down:

• Cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped for your desired texture; leftover or rotisserie chicken keeps things super easy.
• Dried cranberries: Bring delicious pops of sweetness and eye-catching color to brighten the salad.
• Chopped pecans (toasted): Add rich, nutty flavor and irresistible crunch; toasting makes them extra fragrant.
• Finely chopped celery: Delivers crisp freshness in every bite, balancing out the creaminess.
• Chopped red onion: Lends sharpness and a bit of color; soaking them in water first can mellow their bite if needed.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy and classic; you can swap half for Greek yogurt if you prefer it lighter.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle zing and depth that keeps the flavors lively and bright.
• Lemon juice: Brings acid to wake up the salad and keep it from tasting flat.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and rounding out every flavor note.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Veggies

Start by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This is the perfect opportunity to use up leftover chicken or grab a convenient rotisserie bird from the store. Dice your celery and red onion finely so they blend perfectly into every bite. Set your toasted pecans and dried cranberries nearby—you’ll want these flavors in every mouthful.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper. The goal is a silky, flavorful dressing that will coat all your salad ingredients without overpowering them.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the chopped chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion. Pour the creamy dressing right over the top. Stir everything gently until every piece is evenly coated and the colors are beautifully mingled. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. This step is where Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad comes to life!

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

This salad only gets better as it chills, so let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This brief cooling time allows the cranberries to plump, the pecans to stay crisp, and the flavors to become even more developed and harmonious.

Step 5: Ready to Serve

When you’re ready to eat, give your salad a quick stir before serving. Now comes the fun part—how you enjoy your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is entirely up to you!

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans and cranberries on top. A scattering of freshly chopped parsley or green onions will add color and a subtle freshness. If you like a little extra pop, a light squeeze of lemon or a pinch of cracked pepper on top really brings it all together.

Side Dishes

You can keep things light with crisp lettuce leaves, scoop the salad onto slices of juicy tomatoes, or serve it alongside crunchy cucumber spears. A bowl of fresh fruit or some classic kettle chips round out the meal without stealing the spotlight from your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.

Creative Ways to Present

This chicken salad loves variety! Stuff it into croissants for a chic lunch, pile it on toasted artisan bread, fill halved avocados for a low-carb twist, or pack it into mason jars for adorable, portable lunch options. For parties, try mini phyllo cups or spoonfuls over endive leaves for easy, elegant finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making this a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze the salad, it’s not recommended unless you skip the mayonnaise and add it after thawing—otherwise, the dressing can separate and the texture may become less appealing. For best results, enjoy freshly made or refrigerated only.

Reheating

No reheating needed with this salad! Simply serve straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take off the chill. If adding it to a toasted sandwich, let the bread provide the warmth and contrast.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?

Absolutely—rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred or chop the meat before mixing it in.

Is there a substitute for pecans?

Yes! Walnuts or slivered almonds both make great alternatives and add their own unique flavor and crunch. Feel free to use your favorite nut or whatever you have on hand.

How do I lighten up the dressing?

For a lighter version, mix half mayonnaise with half plain Greek yogurt; you’ll get the same creamy texture with fewer calories and extra protein. You can adjust the ratio to taste if you prefer one over the other.

What’s the best way to toast pecans for the salad?

Spread the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until fragrant and golden—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Watch them closely so they don’t burn!

Can this salad be made nut-free?

Definitely. If you need a nut-free Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, simply omit the pecans or swap in roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad enough—every bite is a festival of textures and flavors. Whether you need a quick lunch, an impressive meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe delivers. I hope you give it a try and make it your own favorite too!

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