Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Fresh and Flavorful Dish

by Harper on June 13, 2025

Looking for a fresh and flavorful dish that’s easy to make? Try my Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad! This vibrant recipe combines juicy chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Plus, I’ll share tips on making the best dressing and serving ideas. Join me for a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped The main ingredients in this salad are simple yet tasty. Start with cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken or cook it fresh. Shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Next, add dried cranberries. They bring a sweet and tart flavor. Pecans add crunch and a nutty taste. Chop them roughly for the best texture. Celery gives a nice crunch, while red onion adds a slight bite. Together, these ingredients create a fresh and colorful mix. - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste For the dressing, start with Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and tang. Mix in mayonnaise for extra richness. Then, add Dijon mustard for a zesty kick. Honey sweetens the dressing just right. Finally, season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. This dressing ties the salad together beautifully. - Fresh parsley Fresh parsley is an optional garnish. It adds a pop of color and brightens the dish. You can chop it finely and sprinkle it on top before serving. This simple touch makes your salad look even more inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your chicken and veggies. In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, finely chopped celery, and red onion. Make sure everything is well combined. Next, you want to prepare the dressing. Use a separate small bowl. This keeps the flavors from mixing too soon. Now, let’s make the dressing. Whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until it is smooth. This dressing adds creaminess and a sweet touch. Pour the dressing over your chicken mixture. Gently fold everything together. You want to coat all the ingredients, but be careful not to break them apart. After mixing, taste the salad. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Then, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors blend well. For serving, you can place the salad on a bed of mixed greens. This adds color and freshness. If you prefer, use the salad as a filling for whole-grain bread. It makes a tasty sandwich. To finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your beautiful and delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad! For shredding chicken, I suggest using two forks. Hold one fork steady and use the other to pull apart the meat. This method works best if the chicken is warm. If you have cooked chicken in the fridge, warm it slightly in the microwave. You can also use your hands to shred the chicken. Just make sure it's cool enough to handle. To add more flavor to your salad, consider these options: - Add diced apples for sweetness and crunch. - Toss in some crumbled feta cheese for a tangy taste. - Include diced bell peppers for color and a fresh bite. - Mix in a few herbs like dill or thyme for an earthy touch. These add-ins make the salad more exciting and unique. You can mix and match based on what you like best. To get the right texture, balance crunchiness and creaminess. For more crunch, use toasted pecans. Toasting enhances their flavor and gives a satisfying crunch. You can also add more chopped celery or even some radishes for extra crunch. For creaminess, adjust the amount of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. If you like it creamier, add more yogurt. For a lighter version, cut back on the mayo and use more yogurt. This way, you make the salad your own! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and saves you from the hassle of cooking. Customize the Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor and crunch in your salad. Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by mixing in fresh herbs like dill or thyme, which pair well with chicken and add freshness to the salad. Serve Chilled: For the best taste, serve the chicken salad chilled. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully and provides a refreshing experience. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even healthier. Try using low-fat yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. This change cuts down on calories while still keeping it creamy. You can also swap out the mayonnaise for more yogurt. This keeps the dressing light without losing flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free yogurt and check your mustard. Most mustards are gluten-free, but it's always good to read the label. For a vegan version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegan mayo and yogurt to keep it plant-based. Changing nuts or fruits can give this salad a new twist. Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. You can also add fresh fruits like apples or grapes for a sweet crunch. Each nut or fruit adds its own flavor, making the salad unique. Don't be afraid to experiment! To keep your cranberry pecan chicken salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent spills or odors. Make sure to cover the bowl tightly if you don't have a lid. The salad will taste best if eaten within three days. If you want to save the salad for later, freezing is an option. However, some ingredients may change texture when thawed. To freeze, pack the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. In the fridge, cranberry pecan chicken salad lasts about three to four days. After that, the flavors may change, and it might not taste as good. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before you eat it. If you see any signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard the salad. Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken for this salad. It saves time and adds flavor. The chicken is already cooked and seasoned. This makes your prep quick and easy. Just shred or chop the chicken before mixing. Plus, it helps keep the salad juicy and tender. Yes, this salad can be gluten-free. The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Ensure the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the labels when you shop. This way, you can enjoy this dish without worry. You can make this salad ahead of time. I suggest prepping it a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to enjoy it. For the best taste, eat it within two days. If you don't have Greek yogurt, try sour cream. It offers a similar creaminess. You can also use regular yogurt if you prefer. For a lighter option, consider using cottage cheese. These alternatives will still keep your salad tasty and delicious. This blog post covered a tasty chicken salad recipe. We went over the main ingredients, which include chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion. I shared how to prepare the chicken mixture and make a creamy dressing. You learned tips for shredding chicken and enhancing flavor. We also explored healthy substitutes and storage tips. Remember, this salad is easy to customize. Try new ingredients or serve it in a sandwich. Visit often for more fun recipes!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans adds a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
Healthy Ingredients: This salad is packed with lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the pecans, making it a nutritious choice.
Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a quick lunch.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on a bed of greens or as a sandwich filling, making it suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries

– 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped

– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

The main ingredients in this salad are simple yet tasty. Start with cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken or cook it fresh. Shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Next, add dried cranberries. They bring a sweet and tart flavor. Pecans add crunch and a nutty taste. Chop them roughly for the best texture. Celery gives a nice crunch, while red onion adds a slight bite. Together, these ingredients create a fresh and colorful mix.

Dressing Ingredients

– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon honey

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing, start with Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and tang. Mix in mayonnaise for extra richness. Then, add Dijon mustard for a zesty kick. Honey sweetens the dressing just right. Finally, season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. This dressing ties the salad together beautifully.

Optional Garnishes

– Fresh parsley

Fresh parsley is an optional garnish. It adds a pop of color and brightens the dish. You can chop it finely and sprinkle it on top before serving. This simple touch makes your salad look even more inviting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Mixture

First, gather your chicken and veggies. In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, finely chopped celery, and red onion. Make sure everything is well combined.

Next, you want to prepare the dressing. Use a separate small bowl. This keeps the flavors from mixing too soon.

Making the Dressing

Now, let’s make the dressing. Whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until it is smooth. This dressing adds creaminess and a sweet touch.

Assembling the Salad

Pour the dressing over your chicken mixture. Gently fold everything together. You want to coat all the ingredients, but be careful not to break them apart.

After mixing, taste the salad. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Then, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors blend well.

Serving Suggestions

For serving, you can place the salad on a bed of mixed greens. This adds color and freshness. If you prefer, use the salad as a filling for whole-grain bread. It makes a tasty sandwich.

To finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your beautiful and delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Shredding Chicken

For shredding chicken, I suggest using two forks. Hold one fork steady and use the other to pull apart the meat. This method works best if the chicken is warm. If you have cooked chicken in the fridge, warm it slightly in the microwave. You can also use your hands to shred the chicken. Just make sure it’s cool enough to handle.

Flavor Enhancements

To add more flavor to your salad, consider these options:

– Add diced apples for sweetness and crunch.

– Toss in some crumbled feta cheese for a tangy taste.

– Include diced bell peppers for color and a fresh bite.

– Mix in a few herbs like dill or thyme for an earthy touch.

These add-ins make the salad more exciting and unique. You can mix and match based on what you like best.

Adjusting Texture

To get the right texture, balance crunchiness and creaminess. For more crunch, use toasted pecans. Toasting enhances their flavor and gives a satisfying crunch. You can also add more chopped celery or even some radishes for extra crunch.

For creaminess, adjust the amount of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. If you like it creamier, add more yogurt. For a lighter version, cut back on the mayo and use more yogurt. This way, you make the salad your own!

Pro Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and saves you from the hassle of cooking.
Customize the Nuts: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor and crunch in your salad.
Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by mixing in fresh herbs like dill or thyme, which pair well with chicken and add freshness to the salad.
Serve Chilled: For the best taste, serve the chicken salad chilled. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully and provides a refreshing experience.

Variations

Healthy Alternatives

You can make this salad even healthier. Try using low-fat yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. This change cuts down on calories while still keeping it creamy. You can also swap out the mayonnaise for more yogurt. This keeps the dressing light without losing flavor.

Dietary Restrictions

If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free yogurt and check your mustard. Most mustards are gluten-free, but it’s always good to read the label. For a vegan version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegan mayo and yogurt to keep it plant-based.

Flavor Profiles

Changing nuts or fruits can give this salad a new twist. Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. You can also add fresh fruits like apples or grapes for a sweet crunch. Each nut or fruit adds its own flavor, making the salad unique. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Storage Info

Short-term Storage

To keep your cranberry pecan chicken salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent spills or odors. Make sure to cover the bowl tightly if you don’t have a lid. The salad will taste best if eaten within three days.

Long-term Storage

If you want to save the salad for later, freezing is an option. However, some ingredients may change texture when thawed. To freeze, pack the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, cranberry pecan chicken salad lasts about three to four days. After that, the flavors may change, and it might not taste as good. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before you eat it. If you see any signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard the salad.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken for this salad. It saves time and adds flavor. The chicken is already cooked and seasoned. This makes your prep quick and easy. Just shred or chop the chicken before mixing. Plus, it helps keep the salad juicy and tender.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad can be gluten-free. The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Ensure the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the labels when you shop. This way, you can enjoy this dish without worry.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can make this salad ahead of time. I suggest prepping it a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to enjoy it. For the best taste, eat it within two days.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, try sour cream. It offers a similar creaminess. You can also use regular yogurt if you prefer. For a lighter option, consider using cottage cheese. These alternatives will still keep your salad tasty and delicious.

This blog post covered a tasty chicken salad recipe. We went over the main ingredients, which include chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion. I shared how to prepare the chicken mixture and make a creamy dressing. You learned tips for shredding chicken and enhancing flavor. We also explored healthy substitutes and storage tips.

Remember, this salad is easy to customize. Try new ingredients or serve it in a sandwich. Visit often for more fun recipe