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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is creamy, crunchy, and full of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken combines with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing for an easy meal that works beautifully for sandwiches, wraps, lunches, or a light dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Salad
  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast diced or shredded
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries
  • ¾ cup pecans toasted and chopped
  • ½ cup celery finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
For the Creamy Dressing
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook the chicken breast until tender, then allow it to cool slightly before dicing or shredding. Rotisserie chicken can also be used for a quicker option.
    Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
  2. Add the pecans to a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Let them cool before chopping.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
    Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
  4. Add the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, celery, red onion, and parsley to a large bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
    Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
  6. Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and gives the salad a better texture.
  7. Spoon the cranberry pecan chicken salad onto bread, croissants, lettuce cups, or crackers, and garnish with extra pecans or parsley if desired.
    Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe