This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a delightful party appetizer. Combining tender chicken with the sweetness of dried cranberries, the crunch of pecans, and a creamy dressing, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors creates a harmonious balance, making it a crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether served on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or on its own, this salad is sure to impress.

With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an ideal dish for meal prep or as a quick go-to recipe on busy days. The addition of honey and lemon juice to the dressing gives the salad a fresh, zesty kick, while the crunch of pecans adds a wonderful texture. Perfect for anyone looking for a healthy yet indulgent meal, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats. Let’s dive into how you can make this delectable Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Savory Flavor

The balance of sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and savory chicken makes this salad incredibly flavorful.

2. Quick and Easy

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this salad ready in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

3. Healthy and Nutritious

Packed with lean chicken, healthy fats from pecans, and the antioxidants from cranberries, this salad makes for a nutritious meal option.

4. Versatile

Enjoy it on croissants, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens—this salad is adaptable to any serving style.

5. Crowd-Pleasing

This salad is a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or as a light lunch for yourself. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its unique combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast
Dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
Pecans (chopped)
Celery (1 stalk, diced)
Green onion (2 pieces, chopped)
Mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Honey
Salt
Garlic powder
Black pepper

Variations

Substitute Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy twist on the dressing.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro can be added to enhance the salad with vibrant herbal notes.
Substitute Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or even turkey for a quicker and equally tasty version.
Add Apples: For an extra crunch and sweetness, diced apples work wonderfully in this salad.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a mild heat.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the cooked chicken breast, pecans, dried cranberries, celery, and green onions into small bite-sized pieces.

2. Mix the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large bowl, add the chopped chicken, pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onions. Stir well to combine.

3. Make the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well-blended.

4. Combine and Coat

Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken mixture. Stir gently with a spoon to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the chicken salad onto croissants, fluffy rolls, or enjoy it on its own for a light meal. It’s perfect as a sandwich filling or a topping for a green salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch. Simply heat them in a pan with a little cooking spray for 3-4 minutes, then chop.
Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier or tangier dressing, feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise or lemon juice to suit your taste.
Chicken Options: For convenience, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the chicken salad to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together.

How to Serve

On Sandwiches: Spread the chicken salad onto soft croissants, rolls, or your favorite bread for a delicious sandwich.
Over Greens: For a lighter option, serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach.
In Wraps: Roll the salad in a wrap with some fresh veggies for a satisfying lunch.
As a Snack: Scoop the salad onto crackers for a fun and easy snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. The flavors may even improve after sitting for a few hours as they have time to meld.

Freezing

This chicken salad is not ideal for freezing as the mayo and other ingredients may not hold up well after freezing and thawing.

Reheating

If you prefer your chicken salad warm, you can warm it gently in the microwave, but it’s generally best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.

2. How can I make the salad healthier?

You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use less honey to reduce sugar content.

3. Can I substitute the pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans for a different flavor.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based products.

5. Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Yes, you can add diced apples, grapes, or even orange segments for a sweet twist.

6. How long will this salad last in the fridge?

The chicken salad will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

8. How do I toast pecans?

Place the pecans in a pan over medium heat, spray with cooking oil, and heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Let them cool before chopping.

9. Can I skip the green onions?

If you’re not a fan of green onions, you can omit them or substitute them with chives for a milder flavor.

10. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, almonds or walnuts can be used instead of pecans if you prefer.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a fun party appetizer. With the sweet and savory combination of chicken, cranberries, and pecans, it’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether served in a sandwich, on a bed of greens, or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time. Try it out today and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness in every bite!