Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all in one delicious bite! Tender shredded chicken is combined with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, crisp celery, and juicy grapes in a rich, creamy dressing.

It’s perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, crackers, or a quick high-protein lunch. An easy recipe that tastes even better after chilling!

Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 0 minutes (using cooked chicken)

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6

• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• ½ cup red or green grapes, halved

• ½ cup celery, finely chopped

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cook chicken breasts until fully cooked, then allow them to cool completely. Shred using two forks or chop into small bite-sized pieces.

Rotisserie chicken also works wonderfully for a quicker version.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit

Wash and halve the grapes. Finely chop the celery, red onion, and parsley. Roughly chop the pecans if they are not already chopped.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and honey.

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, pecans, grapes, celery, red onion, and parsley to the dressing.

Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully and makes the salad even more delicious.

Step 6: Serve

Give the salad a gentle stir before serving. Garnish with extra cranberries and chopped pecans.

Enjoy in sandwiches, croissants, lettuce cups, wraps, or with your favorite crackers!

Nutrition Information

Estimated nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings.

Nutrition varies depending on the mayonnaise, chicken, cranberries, and yogurt brands used.

Nut Information & Allergies

Main nut used: Pecans

Pecans provide:

• Healthy unsaturated fats.

• Plant-based protein.

• Dietary fiber.

• Magnesium and manganese.

• Antioxidants.

Other nut options:

• Walnuts: A delicious alternative with a slightly earthy flavor.

• Almonds: Add a crunchy texture.

• Cashews: Give the salad a mild, buttery crunch.

• Pistachios: Add color and a slightly sweet flavor.

Nut-free alternative:

Simply omit the pecans and replace them with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, provided they are safe for your dietary needs.

Allergy information:

• Contains tree nuts (pecans).

• Contains dairy (Greek yogurt).

• Contains eggs (traditional mayonnaise).

• Check all ingredient labels for possible cross-contamination.

Tips for the Best Chicken Salad

1. Use chicken breast for a lean, protein-rich salad.

2. Allow chicken to cool completely before mixing.

3. Toast pecans lightly for a deeper nutty flavor.

4. Chop ingredients into similar-sized pieces for an even texture.

5. Use dried cranberries for sweetness and color.

6. Chill before serving for the best flavor.

7. Add pecans just before serving if you prefer maximum crunch.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.

• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because the creamy dressing and grapes can change texture.

• Meal Prep: Divide into individual airtight containers for easy lunches.

• Make Ahead: Prepare a day in advance for even better flavor.

Do not leave chicken salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F (32°C).

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut. Remove the skin and shred the meat before adding it to the salad.

Q2: Can I make this chicken salad without mayonnaise?

Yes! Replace mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich dressing.

Q3: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

Dried cranberries are recommended because they provide sweetness. Fresh cranberries are much more tart, so they may need a little extra sweetener.

Q4: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Walnuts work beautifully and provide a similar crunchy texture.

Q5: Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! Divide it into individual containers and refrigerate. It’s excellent for quick lunches throughout the week.

Q6: How can I increase the protein?

Use extra chicken breast, high-protein Greek yogurt, and reduce the mayonnaise.

Q7: Can I make this recipe low-carb?

Yes! Reduce or omit the dried cranberries and grapes. Use unsweetened dried cranberries if available, and check the nutrition label.

Q8: What can I serve with cranberry pecan chicken salad?

Try whole-grain crackers, croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce cups, cucumber slices, or tortilla wraps.

Q9: Why is my chicken salad watery?

Excess moisture from grapes, celery, or warm chicken can thin the dressing. Pat the fruit and vegetables dry and cool the chicken completely before mixing.

Q10: Can I prepare it the night before?

Definitely! Prepare the salad, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. For the best crunch, reserve some pecans and add them just before serving.

Q11: Can I use canned chicken?

Yes! Drain it thoroughly and gently break it apart before mixing with the dressing.

Q12: Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on mayonnaise, mustard, dried cranberries, and seasonings.

Serving Ideas

Final Thoughts ❤️

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. With tender chicken, chewy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and juicy grapes, every bite is full of delicious flavor.

Make a batch today for easy meal prep, healthy lunches, or your next family gathering!

Save this recipe because it’s one you’ll want to make again and again! 🍒🥗