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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: A Sweet, Savory, and Crunchy Classic

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delicious combination of tender chicken, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing. This versatile dish is perfect for lunch, light dinners, meal prep, picnics, or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps. The balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors creates a refreshing salad that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Whether served on crisp lettuce leaves, tucked into buttery croissants, or enjoyed with crackers, this chicken salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that make it a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad stands out because it combines wholesome ingredients with minimal preparation. The juicy chicken provides lean protein, dried cranberries add natural sweetness, pecans contribute a buttery crunch, and the creamy dressing ties everything together. It can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weekdays or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the Salad

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
2 celery stalks, finely diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cook the chicken using your preferred method. You can poach, bake, grill, or use leftover roasted chicken. Allow it to cool completely before chopping or shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Using cooled chicken helps the dressing stay creamy and prevents excess moisture.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 3–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Toasting enhances their natural flavor and gives the salad extra crunch. Remove them from the pan and let them cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and finely dice the celery. Slice the green onions into thin rounds and chop the parsley if using. Keeping the vegetables evenly sized helps create a balanced texture in every bite.