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.
