Save to Pinterest This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad layers everything I love about classic chicken salad—juicy chicken, fresh crunch, and a touch of sweetness. Pecan halves and tart cranberries upgrade the mix, making it the perfect filling for sandwiches, wraps, or a light meal on crisp greens. The creamy dressing ties it together and for years has been my favorite choice for easy entertaining or lunch meal prep.
One chilly Sunday after Thanksgiving, I tossed leftover chicken with cranberries from the pantry and crunchy pecans from my holiday baking stash. My friends devoured every bite. It became my go to for potlucks and cozy lunches.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Choose firm but juicy chicken—rotisserie works in a pinch or poach your own for ideal tenderness
- Dried cranberries: These bring tangy sweetness that keeps the salad lively Choose ones that are plump and not overly sugared
- Pecan halves: Toasting the pecans deepens their flavor Buy fresh nuts with a mildly sweet aroma and chop just before using
- Celery: Adds sharp fresh crunch Select crisp bright green stalks for the best bite
- Red onion: Gives a gentle zing Use firm purple bulbs with bright skin for mild flavor
- Fresh parsley optional: Brings color and a little earthiness Look for flat leaf Italian parsley that is perky and green
- Mayonnaise: Gives a rich creamy base Full fat works best for classic texture but light mayo will do in a pinch
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Lightens the dressing and adds a hint of tang Strained Greek yogurt gives the thickest most decadent feel
- Lemon juice: A splash wakes up all the flavors Fresh squeezed is key for that clean brightness
- Dijon mustard: A little goes a long way Use real Dijon with a balanced bite rather than the overly tangy cheap options
- Salt: Essential for rounding out all the flavors Use flaky or kosher salt and taste as you go
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat Always grind fresh for the most aroma and pop
Instructions
- Prepare and cool the chicken:
- Cook chicken breasts by poaching simmering gently in water with a sprinkle of salt or roast with a drizzle of oil in a hot oven until juices run clear about 15 minutes Then let cool completely This keeps the chicken from falling apart and keeps the salad crisp
- Chop and toast the mix-ins:
- Finely dice celery and red onion for even crunch Toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat about 4 minutes until fragrant then roughly chop Let the pecans cool so they stay crisp in the salad
- Mix the chicken base:
- In a big mixing bowl combine cooled chicken cranberries chopped pecans celery onion and parsley if using Toss gently so the nuts and fruit distribute evenly without breaking up the chicken
- Make the dressing:
- In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise Greek yogurt lemon juice Dijon mustard salt and black pepper until completely smooth Start with half the salt and taste after mixing
- Combine and coat:
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture Use a big spoon or spatula to gently fold until every bite is coated The key is not to mash the ingredients but combine just until mixed
- Chill and finish:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate at least 30 minutes This resting time melds the flavors and gives the dressing a chance to thicken Taste again for salt and pepper before serving
- Taste and serve:
- Scoop the chicken salad over greens stuff in a croissant or wrap in a tortilla Press it lightly to help the salad hold together if serving as a sandwich
Save to Pinterest I reach for dried cranberries every time for this recipe—the pop of tart chews plays so well with nutty pecan crunch and creamy dressing. When I make this for family birthdays we always sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top for extra flair. More than once the bowl has been emptied before any sandwiches were made.
Storage Tips
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad tastes best enjoyed within three days and stays freshest when stored in a covered container in the fridge Keep the greens separate until serving to avoid wilting Pack portions in airtight containers for meal prepping easy lunches
Ingredient Swaps
You can swap walnuts or sliced almonds for pecans for different crunch Try cubes of leftover turkey instead of chicken for post holiday meals For a lighter twist use all Greek yogurt in place of mayo or skip the onion for a milder flavor
How to Serve It
Pile this chicken salad into croissants for a brunch treat Wrap it in large lettuce leaves for a gluten free lunch Or spoon it over a bed of arugula and thinly sliced apple for a dinner worthy salad
From Picnic Tradition to Modern Classic
Chicken salads have roots in old school American delis but the cranberry and pecan touch adds a taste of New England autumn Now I bring this to book club potlucks or pass it around at family BBQs in the summer
Seasonal Variations
Add diced green apple in the fall for a fresh crisp bite Use dried cherries or golden raisins in place of cranberries for a new twist Toss in chopped fresh herbs like tarragon or dill for a spring flavored upgrade
Success Stories
Friends text me when I bring this to a picnic asking for the recipe before the meal is over When I first served it to my parents my dad went back for seconds twice and asked for the leftovers the next day
Turn It Into a Freezer Meal
For best texture freeze just the chicken and dressing separately in airtight bags Let both thaw overnight in the fridge before mixing with fresh celery onion and pecans just before serving
Save to Pinterest Enjoy every crunchy creamy bite as a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings. The tangy cranberries and toasted pecans make this a true favorite each season.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Dice or shred before mixing with other ingredients.
- → How do I toast pecans for extra flavor?
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- → What’s a substitute for mayonnaise or Greek yogurt?
Try sour cream for tang, or use all Greek yogurt for a lighter option without mayonnaise.
- → Can I add fruit for sweetness?
Yes, diced apples or grapes add extra crunch and sweetness to the salad mixture.
- → How long should I chill the salad?
Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, but it can sit longer until ready to serve.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels for possible cross-contamination.