Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with fresh greens, tender chicken, dried cranberries, pecans, and a light vinaigrette dressing on a white plate.

Cranberry Chicken Salad

by

Enjoy a refreshing Cranberry Chicken Salad with juicy chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp greens, all drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures
  • Quick and easy to prepare, great for meal prep
  • Versatile—serve it as a sandwich, wrap, or salad
  • A protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious
  • Ideal for using up leftover chicken or turkey

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped celery, red onion, and nuts.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve over lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.

Servings and Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

Variations

  • Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a crunch.
  • Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative and omit the sour cream or yogurt.
  • Extra Crunch: Add diced apples or grapes for a fresh twist.
  • Lighter Version: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate.
  • Serving Tip: Stir before serving if stored in the fridge to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great and adds extra flavor.

What’s the best way to serve this salad?

It’s delicious in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or even on its own.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Making it a few hours in advance enhances the flavors.

What kind of nuts work best?

Pecans and walnuts add a great crunch, but almonds or cashews work too.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries are preferred for their sweetness, but fresh can be used if finely chopped.

How can I make it healthier?

Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and use less dressing overall.

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, crumbled feta or goat cheese pairs well with the cranberries.

How do I make it more filling?

Serve it with whole-grain bread, quinoa, or a side of avocado.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey.

What other seasonings can I add?

Try adding a dash of garlic powder, paprika, or even a squeeze of lemon juice.

Conclusion

Cranberry Chicken Salad is a delicious, versatile dish that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, wrap, or as a salad, it’s the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy goodness. Try different variations to suit your taste and enjoy a satisfying meal any time of the day!

Print
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Lovely Cranberry Chicken Salad with tender chicken slices, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh greens, drizzled with a light vinaigrette.

Cranberry Chicken Salad

  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

A delightful blend of tender chicken, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery in a creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • ¼ cup chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped celery, red onion, and nuts.
  • Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Mix & Coat: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve over lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.

Notes

  • Make it Lighter: Swap mayonnaise for all Greek yogurt or use a light mayo option.
  • Add More Crunch: Try adding sliced apples or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, easy lunch, healthy meal prep, quick salad recipe, sandwich filling