Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and packed with tender chicken, juicy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Use cooked, cooled chicken and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine: Add chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and celery.
4. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend.
6. Serve: Enjoy chilled on lettuce leaves, in a sandwich, with crackers, or simply by itself.

🥜 Allergen Information

• Contains: eggs if using traditional mayonnaise; tree nuts (pecans)
• Contains dairy: Greek yogurt
• Gluten-free: Yes, when served without bread/crackers containing gluten
• Nut-free option: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free yogurt or replace the yogurt with additional mayonnaise.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings:

• Calories: ~360
• Protein: ~27 g
• Carbohydrates: ~16 g
• Fat: ~23 g
• Fiber: ~2 g

Nutrition varies according to the chicken, mayonnaise, cranberries, and portion size.

Q&A

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. It’s an easy option and works especially well in this salad.

Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries are best for the sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture. Fresh cranberries are much more tart and firm.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Can I make it healthier?
You can use more Greek yogurt and less mayonnaise, or use a light mayonnaise.

Can I add grapes?
Absolutely. Halved red or green grapes make a delicious addition.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes. Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds can work well.

What is the best way to serve it?
Try it over lettuce, in a wrap, on toasted bread, or alongside cucumber and tomato.