Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad blends creamy dressing, tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and buttery pecans in every bite. The texture feels rich yet balanced with crisp crunch and a hint of sweetness. This classic salad works beautifully for sandwiches, holiday lunches, or easy meal prep. It tastes comforting, fresh, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory flavor balance
- Creamy with crunchy texture
- Perfect for sandwiches or wraps
- Great for meal prep
- Crowd-pleasing favorite
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional swaps:
- Use Greek yogurt for part of the mayo
- Add chopped apples for extra sweetness
- Substitute walnuts for pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook chicken until fully done and let it cool.
- Dice the chicken into small, even pieces.
- Add mayonnaise and lemon juice to a large bowl. Stir well.
- Fold in diced chicken.
- Add dried cranberries, toasted pecans, celery, and red onion.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix gently until fully combined.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad develops deeper flavor after resting in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
Serve on croissants for a bakery-style sandwich.
Spoon onto butter lettuce cups.
Pair with crackers for entertaining.
Top with extra pecans before serving.
Quick Tips or Variations
- Toast pecans for stronger flavor.
- Add a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
- Chill longer for richer taste.
FAQ Section
What makes cranberry pecan chicken salad sweet?
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad gets natural sweetness from dried cranberries and optional apples.
Can I make cranberry pecan chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Should pecans be toasted for chicken salad?
Yes. Toasting pecans brings out deeper flavor and better crunch.
What bread goes best with cranberry pecan chicken salad?
Croissants, brioche buns, or soft sandwich bread work best.
Conclusion
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad delivers creamy comfort with sweet crunch in every bite. Make it once, and it will become a favorite for gatherings and easy lunches.
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is creamy, sweet, and crunchy with tender chicken, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook chicken until fully done and cool completely.
2. Dice chicken into small pieces.
3. Mix mayonnaise and lemon juice in a bowl.
4. Fold in diced chicken.
5. Add cranberries, toasted pecans, celery, and red onion.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Mix gently until combined.
8. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Toast pecans for deeper flavor.
Serve on croissants or lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
