Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
A fresh, crunchy, creamy, and lightly sweet chicken salad perfect for lunches, meal prep, or potlucks.

⭐ Description

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a flavorful blend of tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, sweet dried cranberries, and buttery toasted pecans, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It strikes the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, and can be served in wraps, sandwiches, or on top of leafy greens for a simple but satisfying meal.

🍽 Ingredients

Chicken Salad

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1–2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

🔪 Instructions

  • Prepare the dressing:
    In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the chicken and mix-ins:
    Add the shredded chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, onion, and parsley to the bowl.
  • Combine:
    Fold everything together until the mixture is evenly coated.
  • Chill:
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve:
    Enjoy in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or over a bed of greens.

📝 Notes

  • Toasting pecans enhances flavor—just heat in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
  • Rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves time.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing the cranberries or honey.

💡 Tips & Variations

Tips

  • If the salad seems dry after chilling, add 1–2 tbsp more mayo or yogurt.
  • Add a pinch of paprika or celery salt for extra depth.
  • For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo.

Variations

  • Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad: Add 1 cup diced fresh apple.
  • Healthy Swap: Use chopped almonds or walnuts instead of pecans.
  • Savory Boost: Add crumbled bacon for extra richness.

🍽 Servings

Makes 4–6 servings
(Perfect for meal prep—stores well for 3–4 days in the fridge.)

📊 Estimated Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 5 servings)
  • Calories: ~310
  • Protein: ~22 g
  • Fat: ~20 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~12 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g
  • Sugar: ~8 g
Values will vary based on ingredient brands and exact quantities.

🌟 Health Benefits

  • High in protein from chicken for sustained energy.
  • Antioxidants from cranberries support immune health.
  • Healthy fats from pecans promote heart and brain function.
  • Low-carb friendly option when served on greens or in lettuce cups.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Replace Greek yogurt with more mayo or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Q: Can I use canned chicken?

You can, but fresh or rotisserie chicken offers better texture and flavor.

Q: How long does it last?

Up to 3–4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze chicken salad?

Not recommended—the mayo and yogurt will separate when thawed.

Q: What can I serve it with?

Croissants, crackers, pita, wraps, or leafy greens like spinach or arugula.

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