A delicious combination of tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or served over fresh greens for a light and satisfying meal.
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
Servings
6 servings
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Add chicken, dried cranberries, pecans, celery, red onion, and parsley to the bowl.
- Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Stir before serving.
Step 4: Serve
Enjoy:
- In croissants or sandwich rolls
- Wrapped in tortillas
- In lettuce cups
- Over a bed of mixed greens
- With crackers or pita chips
Tips for Success
✔ Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
✔ Toast the pecans for extra flavor and crunch.
✔ Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
✔ Add diced apple or grapes for extra freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Mixed green salad
- Fresh fruit
- Whole-grain crackers
- Croissants
- Lettuce wraps
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Not recommended, as the dressing may separate when thawed.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Weight Watchers Points (Approximate)
WW Points: 5–6 per serving
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken provides the best texture and flavor.
Can I make it lighter?
Absolutely. Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
What nuts can I substitute for pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work well.
How far in advance can I make it?
It can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving.
Recipe Notes
- This salad offers a wonderful balance of creamy, sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
- It’s ideal for meal prep lunches and quick weeknight meals.
- The cranberries add natural sweetness while the pecans provide a rich, buttery crunch.
- For a healthier version, serve in lettuce cups instead of bread. 🥗✨
Copy & Paste Ingredient List
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup pecans, chopped
2 celery stalks, finely diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper