Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (only if poaching chicken)
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 25–55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Introduction
Ever found yourself craving a quick, refreshing meal that hits the perfect balance between sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy? This Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad does exactly that! It’s a flavorful, protein-packed dish ideal for light lunches, easy dinners, picnics, potlucks, or meal-prep days. Juicy chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, crisp celery, and buttery pecans come together in a luscious, tangy dressing that elevates every bite.
Whether you’re using leftover chicken or cooking fresh, this salad is simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile. In this article, you’ll learn what makes this recipe special, how to prepare it step-by-step, variations you can try, and tips for storing it. Grab your mixing bowl—let’s make a crowd favorite!
What Is Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?
Creamy cranberry pecan chicken salad is a classic American-style dish that marries tender cooked chicken with dried cranberries and pecans, all coated in a smooth, tangy dressing. Typically served on greens, in sandwiches, or alongside crackers, it’s a convenient dish that feels comforting yet light.
Key components:
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Chicken → Lean protein base
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Cranberries → Sweetness + tart pop
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Pecans → Crunch and rich, nutty flavor
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Dressing → Mayo + lemon + Dijon = creamy + zesty goodness
Its versatility is one of its biggest perks—you can enjoy it as a main dish, appetizer, sandwich filling, or even part of a charcuterie board.
Bonus Tip:
Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and ultimate convenience!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad
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✔ Sweet, savory, creamy AND crunchy
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✔ High in protein (≈25 g per serving)
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✔ Meal prep–friendly
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✔ Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads
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✔ Customizable—easy to make lighter, fruitier, nuttier, or vegan
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✔ Family-approved and crowd-pleasing
Quick Fact:
Each serving contains about 290 calories, making it a filling yet balanced option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
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1/2 cup dried cranberries
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1/2 cup pecans, chopped
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1/4 cup diced celery
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
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Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter option
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Swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds (nut-free)
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Add green onions for a sharper flavor
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Use chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or leftover roasted chicken
⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Poach, grill, or shred leftover chicken.
If poaching: simmer for 15–20 minutes, cool, then chop.
2. Mix the Dressing
In a bowl, combine:
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mayo
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Dijon mustard
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lemon juice
Taste and adjust tanginess or creaminess as desired.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix:
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chicken
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cranberries
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pecans
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celery
Everything should be evenly distributed for color and texture.
4. Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold until coated.
5. Season & Chill
Add salt and pepper.
Chill for 30 minutes to help flavors meld.
6. Serve
Serve on:
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leafy greens
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croissants
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sandwich bread
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lettuce wraps (low-carb)
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crackers
Top with extra pecans for crunch!
Tips & Variations
✔ Make It Lighter
Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.
✔ Add Fresh Herbs
Dill, parsley, basil, or chives add fragrance and freshness.
✔ Add Fruit
Diced apples, pears, or grapes bring juicy sweetness.
✔ Make It a Meal
Serve with quinoa, couscous, or inside avocado halves.
✔ Improve Texture
Toast the pecans lightly for deeper flavor.
Health Benefits & Nutrition Highlights
This salad isn’t just tasty—it’s nutritious:
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Lean Protein: Supports muscle repair and energy
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Healthy Fats (pecans): Great for heart and brain health
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Antioxidants (cranberries): Help fight inflammation
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Fiber: Improves digestion and fullness
According to Healthline and USDA, nuts and cranberries are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use raw chicken?
Yes—just cook it fully before using.
2. What can I use instead of nuts?
Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work wonderfully.
3. How can I make it vegan?
Use chickpeas instead of chicken and vegan mayo.
4. Can I freeze this salad?
No—mayo does not freeze well.
5. How long does it stay fresh?
Up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is an irresistible blend of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements—all wrapped into a quick, nutritious, and versatile recipe. Whether you enjoy it on sandwiches, salads, or wraps, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
Try it tonight—your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will ask for seconds!
