Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe – Sweet, Crunchy & Perfect for Lunch
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad recipe is a sweet and savory twist on the classic. It features tender chicken, crunchy celery, tart dried cranberries, and buttery pecans all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Whether served on croissants, lettuce wraps, or with crackers, it’s a delicious make-ahead meal that’s perfect for meal prep, holidays, picnics, or quick lunches.
🛒 Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for best flavor)
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
¼ cup finely diced red onion or green onion
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or dill for garnish
🔄 Substitutions
Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken
Mayonnaise: Sub with Greek yogurt or half mayo/half yogurt
Pecans: Use walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds
Cranberries: Try chopped dried cherries or raisins
Lemon juice: Replace with apple cider vinegar or orange juice
👨🍳 How to
In a large bowl, combine chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and onion
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined
Chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to blend
Serve on croissants, wraps, in lettuce cups, or with crackers
🧀 Mix-ins
Add diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness
Include a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm touch
Mix in feta or goat cheese for a tangy kick
Add a chopped boiled egg for extra richness
✅ Recipe Tips
Toast the pecans for 5 minutes in a skillet or oven for deeper flavor
Use cold chicken for the best texture
Adjust the ratio of mayo to make it creamier or lighter to your liking
Double the batch for potlucks or meal prep
📦 Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Not freezer-friendly due to the creamy base
Stir before serving if storing overnight
🌀 Recipe Variations
Make it lighter with all Greek yogurt
Use turkey instead of chicken—great for Thanksgiving leftovers
Add a spoonful of honey for extra sweetness
Spice it up with a dash of cayenne or hot honey
❓ FAQs
Can I make cranberry pecan chicken salad ahead of time? Yes—it gets even better after chilling for a few hours
Can I use canned chicken? Yes, just be sure to drain it well
What can I serve it with? Croissants, sandwich bread, lettuce cups, crackers, or over greens
Is this good for meal prep? Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge and makes easy grab-and-go lunches
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad recipe is creamy, crunchy, slightly sweet, and totally irresistible—perfect for any time of year.
