If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s just as perfect for weekday lunches as it is for parties or picnics, look no further than Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. This irresistible salad strikes the ultimate balance between creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy, bringing together tender chicken, plump dried cranberries, buttery pecans, crisp celery, and a luscious, zesty dressing. Whether piled high on buttery croissants or tucked into crisp lettuce wraps, every bite bursts with fresh flavor and delightful texture—making it a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is how merely a handful of simple ingredients join forces to deliver so much flavor and color. Each one brings something special: creaminess, crunch, a touch of sweetness, or a gentle bite of tang, all coming together for a salad that feels both comforting and elevated.
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): The star protein—use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover cooked chicken for unbeatable texture and flavor.
- Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup): These jewel-like bites add a pop of color and a sweet, tart balance to the salad.
- Pecans (1/2 cup, chopped): Toasted pecans give a buttery crunch and irresistibly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
- Celery (1/2 cup, finely chopped): For that signature crisp snap in every forkful, always choose fresh, pale-green celery stalks.
- Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): A little bit goes a long way, adding a subtle sharpness and gorgeous color flecks.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Rich and creamy, mayo creates the ideal base for the dressing—substitute with half Greek yogurt if you want to lighten things up.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): This gives the dressing a little kick and depth, breaking up the richness of the mayo.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 teaspoon): For just a whisper of tang that wakes up all the flavors beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning, drawing out all the flavors in the salad.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle finish of warmth and spice—freshly cracked is always best!
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Grab your largest mixing bowl and add in the shredded or chopped chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion. Gently toss everything together with clean hands or a big spoon to ensure the goodness is spread evenly throughout—this ensures every bite is exciting and full of delightful mix-ins!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended. Don’t skip out on whisking; this helps everything emulsify and guarantees that the tangy, savory flavors shine through in every bite.
Step 3: Bring Everything Together
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture. With a spatula or large spoon, fold the salad gently but thoroughly—make sure all those pecans and cranberries are evenly coated in that luscious dressing. Take your time and enjoy the wonderful aromas rising up as you stir!
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
For maximum flavor, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This quick nap lets the flavors meld together so each bite of your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad tastes even better. The chilling also helps the texture become perfectly cohesive, so the salad holds together nicely when serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once chilled, your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is ready to be served however you desire. Give it one last gentle stir, then enjoy it as the centerpiece of a sandwich, wrap, or straight from the bowl—the possibilities are endless!
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way when serving Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Try a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or fresh parsley for added crunch and color. If you want, a handful of microgreens or a few thinly sliced green onions also make your salad look irresistible and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
For an easy lunch, pair this salad with crisp kettle-cooked chips or a handful of seed crackers. If you’re serving guests, set it out with a fresh fruit salad, a light soup, or a platter of colorful veggie sticks. The cool, creamy chicken salad fits beautifully alongside simple, summery sides.
Creative Ways to Present
You can scoop Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad into butter lettuce cups for a delicious low-carb, gluten-free option, or pile it high on toasted croissants for a truly decadent sandwich. For a party, spoon the salad onto endive leaves or inside sliced cucumbers for easy appetizer bites. The sweet and savory flavors are a hit in any form, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve with time, so don’t hesitate to enjoy it as a quick grab-and-go meal the next day. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze chicken salad, I recommend avoiding it for this recipe—the mayonnaise and celery don’t thaw well, often resulting in a watery texture. For best results, prepare and enjoy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad fresh or make it just a day or two ahead for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served chilled, so reheating isn’t needed. If you want to refresh leftovers, just give the salad a good stir and scoop straight from the fridge. If the dressing seems a little thick after sitting, add a tiny splash of milk or lemon juice and mix well before serving.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?
Absolutely—rotisserie chicken works perfectly and is a fantastic timesaver. The juicy, well-seasoned meat makes your salad even more flavorful, so just shred or chop and mix right in.
What if I’m allergic to nuts?
No worries; you can substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds or pepitas for a similar crunch, or simply skip them if you prefer. The salad is still delicious and colorful!
How can I make a lighter version?
For a healthier spin, swap out half or all of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. This adds a little extra tang and protein, and keeps Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad just as creamy and satisfying.
Can I add fruit like apples or grapes?
Yes—chopped apples or halved grapes make excellent additions! They add sweetness and extra crunch, giving your salad a beautiful burst of fresh flavor. Just be sure to chop them small for easy mixing.
What’s the best way to serve this at a picnic or potluck?
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad travels well in a chilled container. Serve it with sturdy crackers, as a filling for mini slider buns, or tucked into lettuce leaves for a bright, fuss-free outdoor meal.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with the blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or treating friends to a special lunch, this salad is an instant favorite that’s sure to get rave reviews. Give it a try, play with your favorite mix-ins, and make it your own—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and flavorful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or a picnic. This salad combines tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently stir to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad on croissants, bread, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option.
- Enhance with chopped apples or grapes for added flavor.
- For a lighter version, mix in plain Greek yogurt with the mayo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
