Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Introduction

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that never fails to impress. Tender, shredded chicken is paired with the tartness of dried cranberries, the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Each bite is a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and nutty goodness.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this for a holiday potluck—people kept coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe! What’s amazing about this dish is its versatility. It’s perfect as a hearty sandwich filling, a topping for crisp greens, or even as a simple dip for crackers or pita chips. The combination of flavors is balanced yet bold, making it ideal for everything from casual lunches to elegant gatherings.
This recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to meal prep for the week or create a stunning dish for a special occasion, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad will always deliver. Get ready to make this your new go-to favorite!

Perfect for:

• Meal prepping
• Quick lunches
• Potlucks and gatherings
• Holiday leftovers
• Sandwiches and wraps

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Here’s why Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen:

• Sweet and Savory Balance: The tart cranberries and sweet dressing complement the savory chicken and nutty pecans perfectly.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a sandwich filling, salad topping, or standalone dish.
• Quick to Make: Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, this salad comes together in just minutes.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time for an easy, grab-and-go meal option throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: None (if using pre-cooked chicken)
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 16g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a flavorful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• ¼ cup chopped green onions or red onions (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for ease or substitute with poached or grilled chicken.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a sweet, tart flavor and chewy texture to the salad.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans provide a rich, nutty crunch.
• Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: The creamy base ties the ingredients together, and Greek yogurt offers a lighter, tangier alternative.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Celery: Provides a fresh, crisp texture to complement the creamy and chewy ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Toast the Pecans: If desired, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Let them cool.
2. Prep the Chicken: Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a large mixing bowl.

Make the Dressing:

3. Mix the Creamy Base: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to your preference.

Combine the Ingredients:

4. Assemble the Salad: To the bowl with the chicken, add the dried cranberries, toasted pecans, diced celery, and green or red onions (if using).
5. Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey as needed.

Chill and Serve:

7. Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve: Serve the chicken salad chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Sandwiches and Wraps: Serve the salad between slices of bread, croissants, or wrapped in a tortilla.
• On Greens: Spoon the chicken salad over a bed of fresh greens for a light and healthy meal.
• With Crackers: Use crackers or pita chips for a quick snack or appetizer.
• Stuffed Avocados: Fill avocado halves with chicken salad for a nutritious, low-carb option.
• Lettuce Cups: Wrap the salad in large lettuce leaves for a refreshing, gluten-free alternative.

Additional Tips for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Follow these tips for the perfect Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad every time:

• Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.
• Adjust the Dressing: Start with less dressing, and add more as needed to avoid an overly wet salad.
• Use Fresh Chicken: Freshly cooked chicken adds the best flavor, but leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.
• Make It Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle in chopped parsley or dill for a pop of freshness.
• Lighten It Up: Use a mix of half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
• Keep It Crunchy: Add the pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch.
• Sweeten It Your Way: Adjust the amount of honey or syrup to suit your sweetness preference.

Recipe Variations for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Here are 10 creative ways to customize your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad:

1. Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad: Add diced apples for extra sweetness and crunch.
2. Blue Cheese Cranberry Chicken Salad: Mix in crumbled blue cheese for a bold flavor twist.
3. Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad: Swap pecans for sliced almonds.
4. Pineapple Pecan Chicken Salad: Add small chunks of pineapple for a tropical spin.
5. Spicy Cranberry Chicken Salad: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for some heat.
6. Low-Carb Cranberry Chicken Salad: Use less dried cranberries and add more celery or nuts.
7. Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad: Replace pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
8. Herbed Cranberry Chicken Salad: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.
9. Vegan Cranberry Salad: Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegan mayonnaise.
10. Cheddar Cranberry Chicken Salad: Mix in shredded sharp cheddar for a savory twist.

Freezing and Storage for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Freezing: While the chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it without the dressing for up to 2 months. Add the dressing after thawing for the best texture.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Special Equipment for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Here are a few tools to make preparing your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad easier:

• Mixing Bowls: Use large mixing bowls to combine the ingredients with ease.
• Whisk: A whisk helps create a smooth and creamy dressing.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for chopping celery, onions, and pecans.
• Skillet: Use a skillet to toast the pecans for added flavor.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
• Airtight Containers: Store the salad in airtight containers to keep it fresh.
• Microplane or zester – For grating citrus zest (if adding a touch of lemon or orange for freshness).
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – To shred cooked chicken quickly if you prefer shredded chicken over chopped.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for portioning mayonnaise, yogurt, or other dressing ingredients.
• Serving scoops – Perfect for portioning the salad neatly onto bread, crackers, or plates.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

1. Can I use fresh cranberries?
   Fresh cranberries are too tart for this salad, but you can use unsweetened dried cranberries for a less sweet option.
2. Can I make this salad dairy-free?
   Yes! Simply use dairy-free mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as your base.
3. Can I use canned chicken?
   While fresh or rotisserie chicken is ideal, canned chicken works in a pinch—just drain it well before using.
4. What other nuts can I use?
   Walnuts, sliced almonds, or pistachios make great substitutes for pecans.
5. Can I omit the celery?
   Yes, if you don’t like celery, you can skip it or replace it with diced cucumbers or bell peppers for crunch.

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Conclusion

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a deliciously balanced combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, paired with a delightful mix of creamy and crunchy textures. Tender, shredded chicken is complemented by the sweetness of dried cranberries, the crunch of toasted pecans, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together.

This versatile salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a standalone dish served on a bed of greens. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, prepping for the week, or preparing something special for a potluck, this recipe is both easy and impressive.

I’d love to see how your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!