🌸 Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, prepping meals for the week, or serving a crowd for the holidays, this flavorful chicken salad never disappoints. It’s simple to make, loaded with texture, and always a crowd favorite! 🥗✨

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• 🥰 Ready in minutes using leftover or rotisserie chicken

• 🍇 Sweet cranberries + crunchy pecans for incredible texture

• 🥬 Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or crackers

• ❄️ Great for meal prep — stays delicious for days

• ✨ Family-friendly, budget-friendly, and holiday-worthy

🛠 Equipment Needed for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Cutting board

• Chef’s knife

• Large mixing bowl

• Measuring cups & spoons

• Spatula

🥗 Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted if desired

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

• 2 green onions, sliced

🥄 How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

✨ Step 1 — Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

✨ Step 2 — Add the Chicken & Mix-Ins

Add the chopped chicken, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, and pecans to the bowl.

✨ Step 3 — Combine & Chill

Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning (more salt, pepper, lemon, or Dijon if needed).
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

🥪 Ways to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• On croissants for a beautiful luncheon sandwich

• In lettuce wraps for a lighter option

• On toast or a soft brioche bun

• With crackers or pretzel crisps for snacking

• Inside tortilla wraps with spinach

• Over a bed of mixed greens

🍽 What to Serve With Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Fresh fruit (grapes, berries, melon)

• Kettle chips or veggie straws

• Homemade pasta salad

• Simple side salad

• A cup of soup

• Fresh baked muffins or rolls

💡 Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Salad

• Use rotisserie chicken for fast prep and maximum flavor.

• Toast the pecans for extra crunch and warmth.

• For a lighter version, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.

• Add grapes for a Waldorf-inspired twist.

• Chill before serving — it really does make a difference!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does cranberry pecan chicken salad last?

Up to 4 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Not recommended — mayo and dairy separate.

Can I make this without mayo?

Yes! Use Greek yogurt, or half yogurt/half mayo for balance.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely — it’s even better after sitting overnight.

❄️ How to Store Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Keep chilled until serving — especially if bringing to a potluck or picnic.

❤️ You May Also Like

• Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

• Greek Pasta Salad

• Victory Soup

• Nana’s Sugar Cookies

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🌸 Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect sweet-savory lunch option. Made with tender chicken, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, celery, and green onions, all tossed in a rich, flavorful dressing, this easy chicken salad is ideal for sandwiches, wraps, meal prep, and holiday gatherings. It’s a quick, refreshing, and family-friendly recipe that brings together incredible texture and taste in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Lunch, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 355 kcal

Equipment

• cutting board
• Chef's Knife
• large mixing bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans toasted if desired
• 2 celery stalks finely chopped
• 2 green onions sliced

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chopped chicken, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, and pecans to the bowl.
• Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning (more salt, pepper, lemon, or Dijon if needed).
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Notes

Nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 22gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 275mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 175IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg

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