This delicious Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is packed with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted pecans, all tossed in a rich and creamy dressing. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors! Enjoy it as a sandwich filling, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl for a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cook chicken breasts until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow them to cool completely, then shred using two forks.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Nuts
Dice the celery and red onion. Roughly chop the pecans and parsley. If desired, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to enhance their flavor.
3. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
Add the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, red onion, and parsley to a large mixing bowl.
5. Add the Dressing
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Enjoy on toasted bread, croissants, crackers, lettuce cups, or as a protein-packed salad.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cooking chicken from scratch)
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45–65 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving (1/6 of recipe):
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 390mg
Nutrition may vary depending on the mayonnaise, yogurt, cranberries, and portion sizes used. Values do not include bread or crackers.
Health Benefits
- Chicken Breast: Excellent source of lean protein to support muscle health.
- Pecans: Provide healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants.
- Dried Cranberries: Add flavor and beneficial plant compounds.
- Celery: Contributes fiber, hydration, and crunch.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and calcium to the creamy dressing.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a refreshing flavor and vitamin C.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q2: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Remove the skin and shred the meat before mixing.
Q3: Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds work wonderfully.
Q4: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are recommended for their sweetness. Fresh cranberries are much more tart, so chop them finely and adjust the sweetness.
Q5: How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use extra plain Greek yogurt and reduce the mayonnaise. You can also choose reduced-sugar dried cranberries.
Q6: How long does chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
Store in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below for 3–4 days.
Q7: Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the creamy dressing may separate and the celery can lose its crunch.
Q8: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! Divide into individual airtight containers and refrigerate for easy lunches throughout the week.
Q9: What can I serve with cranberry pecan chicken salad?
It pairs perfectly with whole-grain toast, lettuce wraps, cucumber slices, fresh fruit, or a light vegetable soup.
Q10: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Replace Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise or an unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative.