Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad – The Ultimate Sweet, Crunchy, and Creamy Chicken Salad You’ll Make Again and Again

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that works for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or even entertaining guests, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad might just become your new favorite recipe.

There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, buttery pecans, and crisp vegetables tossed together in a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, crunchy, and creamy textures that keep you coming back for more.

Better yet? This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad comes together in just 20 minutes, requires zero cooking if you use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, and can be served in countless ways — sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, croissants, or straight from the bowl.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, packing school lunches, hosting brunch, or needing a quick no-fuss dinner, this recipe checks every box.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

There are plenty of chicken salad recipes out there, but this one stands out for good reason.

First, it’s incredibly simple. You don’t need any complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. Everything is easy to find and easy to prepare.

Second, the flavor profile is exceptional. The tart sweetness from the cranberries complements the richness of the mayonnaise dressing. The pecans add a warm nuttiness and satisfying crunch. The celery and green onions brighten everything up with freshness and texture.

And finally, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is extremely versatile. It fits into almost any eating style — light lunch, protein-packed snack, party dish, or even a holiday table.

It’s the kind of recipe you make once and then keep in your rotation forever.

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What Makes Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad So Popular?

The growing popularity of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad isn’t just a trend. It’s because this dish solves several common cooking challenges:

• Fast preparation
• No cooking required
• Family-friendly flavors
• Great for leftovers
• Perfect for meal prep
• Easy to customize
• Works year-round

Many people love traditional chicken salad, but adding cranberries and pecans elevates it into something more exciting and gourmet without adding extra effort.

It tastes like something you’d buy at a deli or café, but it’s far cheaper and fresher when made at home.

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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this delicious recipe and why each ingredient matters.

Main Ingredients

• 2½ cups cooked chicken, chopped

• ½ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped

• ⅓ cup pecans, chopped

• ⅓ cup celery, diced

• ¼ cup green onions, chopped

Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• 4 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon honey

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Every component plays an important role in building the flavor and texture of this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping everything into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures each spoonful has a little bit of everything.

Dice the chicken evenly, roughly chop the cranberries and pecans, and finely slice the celery and green onions.

2. Mix the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and green onions. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.

3. Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

This dressing is what transforms the ingredients into a cohesive and flavorful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.

4. Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.

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Tips for the Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

If you want your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad to taste restaurant-quality, these small tips make a big difference.

Use Rotisserie Chicken

This saves time and adds incredible flavor. Rotisserie chicken is juicy, seasoned, and ready to go.

Toast the Pecans

Toasting pecans enhances their nuttiness and crunch. Simply warm them in a dry pan for a few minutes.

Chill Before Serving

Letting the salad rest in the fridge allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Cut Ingredients Small

Smaller pieces create better texture and ensure each bite has balanced flavor.

Taste and Adjust

Add extra lemon for brightness or honey for sweetness to match your preference.

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Serving Ideas for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

One of the best things about Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is how many ways you can serve it.

Classic Sandwich

Pile it high between toasted bread or croissants for a café-style lunch.

Wraps

Roll it inside a tortilla with lettuce and spinach.

Lettuce Cups

For a low-carb option, spoon it into butter lettuce or romaine leaves.

Salad Bowl

Serve over mixed greens with extra nuts and fruit.

Crackers or Toast Points

Perfect for parties or appetizers.

Stuffed Avocados

Scoop out avocado halves and fill them for a healthy, elegant meal.

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Make It Healthier

You can easily lighten up your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad without sacrificing flavor.

Try these swaps:

• Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt
• Use light mayonnaise
• Add extra celery or apples for bulk
• Reduce honey for lower sugar
• Use grilled chicken breast

These small changes keep the salad creamy while reducing calories.

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Fun Variations to Try

If you love experimenting, there are endless ways to customize Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.

Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad

Add diced apples for extra crunch and sweetness.

Grape Pecan Chicken Salad

Halved grapes add juiciness and freshness.

Maple Dijon Version

Swap honey for maple syrup and add Dijon mustard.

Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños.

Herb Lovers

Mix in fresh parsley, dill, or tarragon.

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Meal Prep and Storage

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is perfect for making ahead.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

Avoid freezing — the mayonnaise dressing can separate.

For meal prep, portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Print

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 320–350
Protein: 18–20 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 12–15 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 250–300 mg

This makes Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad a satisfying, protein-rich option that keeps you full for hours.

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When to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This dish works beautifully for:

• Quick weekday lunches
• Summer picnics
• Holiday gatherings
• Bridal showers
• Potlucks
• Work lunches
• Meal prep
• Light dinners

Because it’s served cold, it’s ideal for warm weather or busy days when you don’t want to cook.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling.

Can I use canned chicken?

You can, but freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken tastes much better.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Just use dairy-free mayo.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, the salad itself is naturally gluten-free.

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Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The reason Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad consistently turns out delicious comes down to balance.

Savory chicken
Sweet cranberries
Crunchy pecans
Fresh vegetables
Creamy dressing
Bright lemon

Each component enhances the others.

Nothing overwhelms. Everything complements.

That harmony is what keeps this dish exciting bite after bite.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing recipe, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad truly delivers.

It’s quick enough for busy weekdays, elegant enough for entertaining, and flexible enough to adapt to your tastes. The sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing create a perfect blend of flavors that feel both comforting and fresh.

Once you make this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, you’ll see why it has become a favorite in so many kitchens. It’s the kind of dependable recipe you turn to again and again — easy, delicious, and always a hit.