This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Tender chicken is mixed with crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s ideal for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or served on its own for a fresh and filling meal.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience and flavor.
- Pecans: Toast lightly for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Dried cranberries: Add sweetness and chewy texture.
- Greek yogurt: Can replace sour cream for a lighter option.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Add chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion to the bowl.
Step 3: Mix Together
Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Serve on croissants, toasted bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
Tips
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet for deeper flavor.
- Dice ingredients evenly for the best texture.
- Chill before serving to let flavors blend together.
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Variations
Apple Pecan Chicken Salad
Add diced apples for extra freshness and crunch.
Honey Mustard Version
Mix a little honey into the dressing.
Spicy Twist
Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Avocado Chicken Salad
Fold in diced avocado just before serving.