Looking for a salad that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and nutty flavors? This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a colorful, crave-worthy blend that’s become my go-to for lunches, potlucks, and even elegant brunches. Juicy chicken mingles with tart cranberries, buttery pecans, and crisp veggies, all tied together in a creamy, tangy dressing. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main, a punchy side, or a bright burst of flavor for your next gathering, you’ll love how this salad comes together in minutes and satisfies every craving.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is its simplicity—every ingredient is handpicked for maximum flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with little tips to make sure each one shines in the final dish.

Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped—use rotisserie for extra flavor or leftover roast chicken to keep it easy.
Dried Cranberries: These gems bring a pop of tart sweetness that brightens every bite.
Chopped Pecans: Toast lightly in a skillet for deeper, nuttier dimension before mixing in.
Finely Diced Celery: For crucial crunch and a hint of natural saltiness.
Chopped Green Onions: A subtle zing and fresh color bring the whole salad to life.
Mayonnaise: Keeps the salad creamy—use your favorite brand for best taste.
Dijon Mustard: Just a spoonful adds a whisper of sharpness and depth.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens everything and balances the richness.
Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste—it’s what ties everything together at the end.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Combine the Salad Base

Start by reaching for your largest salad bowl (you’ll want plenty of room to toss!). Add the chopped or shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and green onions. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results—the salad is all about the texture, so you want everything crisp and vibrant at this point.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, plus a pinch each of salt and pepper. Don’t skip the lemon—it transforms the dressing, making it bright and layered. For a little lighter twist, you can swap in Greek yogurt for half the mayo.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour your creamy dressing right over the salad base, and gently fold everything together until each bite is coated and glistening. Be gentle here—pecans are tender, and you want every morsel to keep its integrity.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld

This is the secret to an unforgettable Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This short nap lets the flavors blend and deepen, turning a good salad into a craving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Give your salad a quick taste for seasoning. A little more salt or a squeeze of lemon may be all it needs. Serve your masterpiece chilled—on a bed of greens, stuffed into a croissant, or nestled in a wrap, and watch faces light up at the first bite.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Garnishes

The right garnishes make your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad look irresistibly fresh and inviting. Try a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans for crunch, a shower of fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or even a few whole cranberries for a jewel-like touch. These little touches only take a moment and truly elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun! Serve your salad on a bed of crisp butter lettuce with a side of fresh fruit, a cup of soup, or a vibrant crudités platter. I love it with seeded crackers, a hunk of sourdough, or even sweet potato chips for dipping—the subtle flavors really let the salad shine as the star of the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not play with the format? Spoon your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad into endive leaves for a pretty appetizer, mound it atop avocado halves for a special lunch, or use it as a filling in pita pockets for grab-and-go snacking. It’s equally gorgeous as little tea sandwiches or spooned into mini tart shells for a festive party bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One reason I keep coming back to this salad is its staying power. Store Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors stay bright and the texture holds up well thanks to the sturdy mix-ins—just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings can separate and fresh veggies lose their crunch. If you must, freeze only the chicken, cranberries, and pecans (no dressing or veggies), then add the other ingredients fresh once thawed.

Reheating

This is a classic no-cook dish, best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature—no reheating required! If it’s been refrigerated, just take it out a few minutes before serving so the flavors are at their best.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that gives your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad an instant boost of flavor and keeps things easy and fast. Just shred or chop as you like.

How can I make a lighter version?

For a lighter take, swap out half of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt—it still gives a deliciously creamy texture, with a tangy zip that works beautifully with the other flavors. You can also try light mayo if you prefer.

Can I substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans?

Definitely! Both walnuts and almonds bring her their own unique crunch and flavor, and they’re totally delicious in this salad. Just be sure to chop them slightly smaller if using whole nuts for easier mixing and eating.

What are some fun mix-ins to change up the salad?

Try adding chopped apples, halved grapes, diced red bell pepper, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra dimension. The recipe is endlessly customizable—play around and make it your own!

Does this salad work for meal prep?

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and you’re set for quick, protein-packed lunches through midweek—just keep it chilled and add lettuce or bread fresh so things don’t get soggy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad enough—it’s simple, wildly flavorful, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Whether you’re meal-prepping or entertaining, this recipe is one you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try, and let your taste buds (and friends) thank you!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chill time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and satisfying Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. This salad combines tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing for a balanced and delicious dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and green onions.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Coat Salad: Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well coated.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled on lettuce, croissants, or in wraps.