Classic Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Pecans

A creamy, sweet, and savory chicken salad loaded with tender chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, crisp celery, and a light, flavorful dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, croissants, lettuce cups, or served over a bed of fresh greens.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cooking chicken)
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• ¾ cup celery, finely diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped and lightly toasted
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or additional mayonnaise)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Cook chicken breasts until fully cooked (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
• Allow the chicken to cool completely.
• Dice into bite-sized cubes or shred using two forks.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

• Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
• Add pecans and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Remove immediately and let cool.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble

In a large bowl combine:

• Chicken
• Celery
• Cranberries
• Pecans
• Red onion
• Parsley

Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Croissant sandwiches
• Whole wheat bread
• Lettuce wraps
• Tortilla wraps
• Stuffed avocados
• Over mixed greens
• Crackers
• Meal-prep lunch boxes

Tips for Success

• Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
• Toasting pecans enhances their flavor.
• Chill before serving for a creamier texture.
• Dice ingredients evenly for the best bite.
• Add a little more mayonnaise if making ahead, as the chicken absorbs some dressing.

Variations

• Add diced apples for extra sweetness.
• Mix in halved seedless grapes.
• Replace pecans with walnuts or sliced almonds.
• Add chopped cucumber for extra crunch.
• Stir in fresh dill or chives for a fresh herb flavor.
• Use avocado oil mayonnaise for a different flavor profile.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the dressing may separate after thawing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 78mg
• Sodium: 390mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

Nut Information

This recipe contains tree nuts (pecans).

Nut-Free Option

• Omit the pecans entirely.
• Replace with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if desired.
• Always check ingredient labels on mayonnaise, yogurt, and dried cranberries for potential cross-contamination if serving someone with a severe nut allergy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. Drain it well before mixing to avoid excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling for several hours or overnight.

Q: What is the best chicken to use?
Cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or leftover roasted chicken all work well.

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
No. Fresh cranberries are too tart. Use dried sweetened cranberries instead.

Q: Can I replace the mayonnaise?
Yes. Substitute all or part of it with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Q: How do I keep the salad from becoming watery?
Pat the chicken dry, use fresh crisp vegetables, and avoid overmixing.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the Greek yogurt with additional dairy-free mayonnaise.

Q: What goes well with chicken salad?
Fresh fruit, potato chips, pasta salad, soup, pickles, or a simple green salad pair beautifully with this chicken salad.