Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect choice. This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery, all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing snack, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is sure to impress.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:

• The best ingredients for the perfect Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
• Step-by-step instructions for making this delicious dish
• Tips and tricks for enhancing flavor and texture
• Serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable
• Nutritional benefits of this healthy and balanced recipe
• Variations and substitutions to customize it to your taste

By the end of this post, you’ll have everything you need to create the ultimate Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad—so let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a must-try:

✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep!
✅ Perfect Balance of Flavors – Sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and savory chicken create a delicious harmony.
✅ Versatile – Enjoy it in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or on its own.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge for days, making it great for lunches.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – Ideal for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Now, let’s break down the ingredients and steps to make the best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad possible.

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Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Main Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups cooked chicken (about 2 chicken breasts or 14 oz) – Shredded or diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped for better texture)
• ⅓ cup pecans (chopped, toasted for extra crunch)
• ⅓ cup celery (1 stalk, diced for freshness)
• ¼ cup green onion (chopped, adds a mild onion flavor)

Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice (for a bright, tangy kick)
• 1 tablespoon honey (balances the tartness)
• ½ teaspoon salt (enhances all flavors)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (adds depth)
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (for a subtle spice)

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup grapes (halved, for extra sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a tangy twist)
• ¼ cup apples (diced, for a crisp texture)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own. If cooking fresh:

• Boil or bake 2 chicken breasts until fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
• Let cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)

Toasting pecans enhances their nutty flavor:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat with a light spray of oil.
2. Add ⅓ cup pecans and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
3. Remove from heat, let cool, then chop into small pieces.

Step 3: Chop the Ingredients

• Finely dice celery, green onions, and cranberries.
• Combine in a large bowl with chicken and pecans.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Salt, garlic powder, and black pepper

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

• Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
• Stir until evenly coated.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve immediately on croissants, bread, or lettuce wraps.
• Chill for 1 hour if you prefer a colder, firmer texture.

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The Health Benefits of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

When it comes to a delicious and nutritious meal, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad stands out as a fantastic choice. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also offers numerous health benefits that make it a smart addition to your diet. In this section, we’ll explore the nutritional advantages of each key ingredient and how they contribute to overall wellness.

1. Lean Protein from Chicken

Chicken is the star of this dish, providing a high-quality source of lean protein. Protein is essential for:

• Muscle repair and growth – Ideal for post-workout recovery.
• Satiety and weight management – Keeps you full longer, reducing unnecessary snacking.
• Metabolic health – Supports hormone production and immune function.

Using skinless, boneless chicken breast keeps the dish low in saturated fat while delivering 11g of protein per serving. For an even healthier option, consider grilled or baked chicken instead of fried.

2. Antioxidant-Rich Cranberries

Dried cranberries add a sweet-tart flavor while offering impressive health perks:

• High in antioxidants – Helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Supports urinary tract health – Contains compounds that prevent bacterial infections.
• Dietary fiber – Aids digestion and promotes gut health.

Since dried cranberries can be high in sugar, opt for unsweetened or naturally sweetened varieties if you’re watching your sugar intake.

3. Heart-Healthy Pecans

Pecans are more than just a crunchy addition—they’re a nutritional powerhouse:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats – Supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL).
• Packed with vitamins & minerals – Contains magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E.
• High in fiber – Promotes digestive health and stable blood sugar levels.

Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and makes them even more enjoyable in this salad.

4. Fresh Vegetables (Celery & Green Onions)

Celery and green onions bring crunch, freshness, and extra nutrients:

• Celery – Low in calories, high in water content, and contains vitamin K for bone health.
• Green onions – Provide vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting immunity.

5. The Dressing: A Balanced Blend

The creamy dressing ties everything together while still being moderate in calories:

• Mayonnaise – Provides healthy fats, but you can swap for Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
• Lemon juice – Adds vitamin C and aids digestion.
• Honey – A natural sweetener with antimicrobial benefits.

Why This Salad is a Nutritional Win

Combining these ingredients creates a well-balanced meal that’s:
✔ High in protein – Keeps you energized.
✔ Rich in healthy fats – Supports brain and heart health.
✔ Packed with fiber – Aids digestion and blood sugar control.

Whether you’re looking for a post-workout meal, a light lunch, or a healthy snack, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad delivers both taste and nutrition.

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Section 2: Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Making Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is simple, but a few key steps ensure the best texture and flavor. Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof result every time.

Step 1: Cooking & Preparing the Chicken

The foundation of this salad is tender, juicy chicken. Here’s how to get it right:

• Option 1: Rotisserie Chicken (Quickest Method)
  • Shred 2 ½ cups (about 14 oz) of store-bought rotisserie chicken.
  • Saves time and adds extra flavor from seasoning.
• Option 2: Homemade Cooked Chicken
  • Boiling: Place 2 chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
  • Baking: Season breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil, then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
  • Let chicken cool before dicing or shredding for the salad.

 Toasting the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)

Toasting pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch:

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ⅓ cup pecans and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Once fragrant, remove from heat, let cool, and chop into small pieces.

Step 3: Chopping the Mix-Ins

• Celery – Dice ⅓ cup (1 stalk) into small pieces for crunch.
• Green onions – Slice ¼ cup (2 stalks) thinly for mild onion flavor.
• Dried cranberries – Roughly chop ½ cup for even distribution.

Step 4: Making the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version).
• 4 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor).
• 1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste).
• ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ⅛ tsp black pepper.

Step 5: Combining Everything

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • Chicken
   • Toasted pecans
   • Celery
   • Green onions
   • Cranberries
2. Pour the dressing over the mixture.
3. Gently fold everything together until well-coated.

Step 6: Serving Suggestions

• Sandwiches: Serve on croissants, whole wheat bread, or wraps.
• Salad Bowls: Layer over mixed greens with avocado.
• Snack Platter: Pair with crackers or cucumber slices.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Chill for 1 hour before serving for better flavor melding.
• Adjust consistency by adding more mayo or a splash of water if needed.
• Double the batch for meal prep—it stays fresh for 3-4 days!

This step-by-step method guarantees a perfectly balanced, flavorful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad every time.

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Creative Variations & Serving Ideas for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

One of the best things about Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is its versatility. Whether you want to tweak the ingredients or serve it in new ways, here are some delicious variations and presentation ideas.

Variation 1: Lighter & Healthier Versions

• Greek Yogurt Swap – Replace mayo with plain Greek yogurt for extra protein and less fat.
• Avocado Dressing – Mash 1 ripe avocado with lemon juice for a creamy, dairy-free option.
• Sugar-Free Option – Use unsweetened dried cranberries and skip honey.

Variation 2: Extra Flavor Twists

• Apple & Walnut – Add ½ cup diced apples + ¼ cup walnuts for a fall-inspired version.
• Spicy Kick – Mix in ½ tsp curry powder or a dash of hot sauce.
• Herb-Infused – Stir in fresh dill, parsley, or tarragon for a gourmet touch.

Variation 3: Protein Swaps

• Turkey Salad – Use diced turkey instead of chicken.
• Vegan Option – Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu.

Creative Serving Ideas

1. Stuffed Avocados – Halve an avocado, remove the pit, and fill with chicken salad.
2. Lettuce Wraps – Use butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a low-carb meal.
3. Gourmet Croissant Sandwiches – Perfect for brunch or tea parties.
4. Protein Bowl – Layer over quinoa, spinach, and roasted veggies.

Perfect for Special Occasions

• Baby Showers & Bridal Luncheons – Serve in mini phyllo cups.
• Picnics & Potlucks – Pack in a mason jar for easy transport.
• Office Lunches – Pair with whole-grain crackers.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

🔹 Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds great flavor.
🔹 Toast the Pecans – Deepens their nutty taste and crunch.
🔹 Chill Before Serving – Allows flavors to meld together.
🔹 Adjust Sweetness – Add more honey or cranberries if desired.
🔹 Make it Lighter – Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado.

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Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

1. Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich

• Spread on croissants, sourdough, or whole wheat bread.
• Add lettuce and tomato for extra freshness.

2. Lettuce Wraps (Low-Carb Option)

• Spoon into butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a light meal.

3. Protein-Packed Salad Bowl

• Serve over mixed greens, spinach, or arugula.
• Top with avocado slices and balsamic glaze.

4. Crackers or Cucumber Slices (Appetizer Style)

• Perfect for parties or snack platters.

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Nutritional Benefits of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutritious!

✔ High in Protein – Chicken provides 11g per serving, keeping you full.
✔ Healthy Fats – Pecans and mayo offer monounsaturated fats (good for heart health).
✔ Fiber & Antioxidants – Cranberries and celery add digestive benefits.
✔ Low Carb Option – Skip the bread for a keto-friendly meal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

| Calories | 259 kcal |
| Carbs | 10g |
| Protein | 11g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 8g |

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Variations & Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Try these twists:

1. Lighter Version

• Replace mayo with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.

2. Extra Crunch

• Add diced apples or walnuts for more texture.

3. Different Proteins

• Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken.

4. Spicy Kick

• Mix in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.

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FAQs About Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Q: How long does it last in the fridge?

A: Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?

A: Due to the mayo, freezing isn’t recommended (texture changes).

Q: Can I make it ahead?

A: Yes! It tastes even better after 1-2 hours of chilling.

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Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re meal prepping lunches, hosting a gathering, or just craving something delicious, this recipe delivers.