Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad – Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Crunchy

If you love a salad that’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with texture, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. It’s the perfect blend of juicy chicken, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

Whether you serve it on croissants, in lettuce wraps, or simply by the spoonful, this salad is both elegant and effortless. It’s ideal for quick lunches, picnics, meal prep, or even holiday gatherings when you want something light yet satisfying.

🥗 Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
2 green onions, finely sliced
½ cup celery, diced
½ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and green onions.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine and Chill
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve chilled on croissants, over a bed of greens, or in wraps.

💡 Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad

Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a time-saver and adds extra flavor.
Toast the pecans: It brings out their nutty aroma and makes the salad more flavorful.
Add fruit: Mix in diced apples or halved grapes for a juicy, refreshing twist.
Make it ahead: This salad keeps well for 3–4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.

🧺 Serving Ideas

On buttery croissants for an elegant lunch.
In lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
Over mixed greens as a hearty salad.
With crackers or baguette slices as an appetizer.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick and easy to make
✔️ Creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor
✔️ Great for meal prep and leftovers
✔️ Perfect for holidays, picnics, or lunch boxes

💬 Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad strikes the perfect balance of savory and sweet with every bite. It’s wholesome, refreshing, and incredibly versatile — delicious enough for a fancy brunch yet simple enough for weekday lunches. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!