Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a refreshing, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries in a creamy dressing. This salad is a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for lunch, a light dinner, or even a picnic. The slightly sweet and tangy dressing pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and crunchy vegetables, while the toasted pecans add a delightful crunch. It’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead for an easy, make-ahead meal. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal or a crowd-pleasing dish, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy. The combination of tender chicken with chewy cranberries and crisp pecans creates a satisfying texture in every bite. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, honey, and a touch of lemon juice, enhances the flavors and brings everything together. It’s versatile, too—serve it on croissants, over a bed of greens, or enjoy it by itself. Plus, this salad is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it an excellent option for a quick meal. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken, turning it into something special. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

For the Salad

Cooked boneless skinless chicken breast
Dried cranberries (roughly chopped)
Pecans (chopped)
Celery (diced)
Green onion (chopped)

For the Dressing

Mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Honey
Salt
Garlic powder
Black pepper

Variations

Add more fruit: For extra sweetness, add apple slices or grapes to the salad.
Use a different nut: If you prefer, substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
Yogurt dressing: Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dressing.
Add greens: For a more substantial salad, serve the chicken salad over mixed greens, spinach, or arugula.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to give the salad a bit of heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping the cooked chicken, pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onions into small, bite-sized pieces. This will help everything mix together well.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, pecans, cranberries, celery, and green onions. Mix the ingredients well, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Salad and Dressing

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the salad onto croissants, fluffy rolls, or enjoy it on its own. This chicken salad can also be served with crackers or a side of greens.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Toasting the Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural flavors and adds a bit of extra crunch. Be sure to toast them on medium heat for just a few minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Shredded Chicken: If you prefer shredded chicken over chopped pieces, feel free to shred the chicken using two forks. It will still mix well with the dressing and give a different texture.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the amount of honey in the dressing. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the honey and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green onions and crunchy celery really make this salad stand out, so don’t skip these ingredients.

How to Serve

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

On a sandwich: Serve the chicken salad on croissants, sandwich rolls, or any bread of your choice for a satisfying lunch.
On a bed of greens: For a lighter option, serve the salad on top of fresh lettuce, spinach, or mixed greens.
With crackers or chips: For a more casual meal, pair the salad with crackers or potato chips.
As a side dish: Serve it as a side dish at barbecues or family gatherings for a refreshing addition to your spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the mayonnaise-based dressing, which can separate and lose its texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so simply pull it from the fridge and enjoy it as-is. If you’ve served it in a sandwich or on bread, you can store any leftovers and reheat the bread, but the salad itself is best enjoyed chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds even more flavor to the salad.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries work best for this recipe, as fresh cranberries would be too tart. If you prefer, you can lightly sweeten fresh cranberries and use them in place of the dried variety.

4. Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Yes, you can add other fruits like apples, grapes, or sliced pears for additional flavor and texture.

5. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version of the dressing.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the croissants or rolls you choose are also gluten-free.

7. How long does the salad last in the fridge?

The salad will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.

8. Can I toast the pecans in the oven?

Yes, you can toast the pecans in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning.

9. Can I add a different nut?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews for a different flavor.

10. Can I make this salad without the green onions?

Yes, if you don’t have green onions or prefer not to use them, the salad will still taste great without them.

Conclusion

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your tastes and is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a light meal on its own. Whether you’re making it for lunch, a picnic, or as a side dish, this salad is sure to please everyone. With its balanced flavors and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.