Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is my go to fix for those days when I want something fresh and filling, but I do not want to cook a whole big meal. You know the feeling, you open the fridge, stare for a minute, and hope dinner just magically appears. This salad is basically that magic, because it comes together fast and tastes like you actually tried. It is sweet, crunchy, and savory all at once, and it works for lunch, meal prep, or even a quick dinner. If you are tired of boring chicken salads, this one is about to save you.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad

I have made a lot of chicken salad over the years, and most of them are fine but forgettable. This one is different because every bite has something going on. The dried cranberries bring a little tangy sweetness, the pecans add that buttery crunch, and the chicken makes it satisfying enough to count as a real meal.

Here is what makes it a keeper in my kitchen:

It feels fancy without being fussy. It is the kind of thing you would happily pay for at a cafe, but it is way cheaper at home.

It is super flexible. You can make it lighter, creamier, sweeter, or more savory depending on what you like.

It is great for meal prep. I love recipes that taste even better after they sit for a bit, and this is one of them.

If you are on a salad kick, you might also like browsing the salads collection here because it is full of easy ideas that do not feel like sad diet food.

I made this for a work lunch and ended up sharing the recipe with three coworkers. It tasted even better the next day and the pecans stayed crunchy. Totally adding it to my weekly rotation.

What You Need to Make this Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad

Let us keep this simple and realistic. You do not need anything complicated, and you can swap ingredients based on what is already in your fridge.

Ingredients that make the flavor pop

• Cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is perfect, or use leftover baked chicken)
• Dried cranberries
• Pecans (roughly chopped)
• Celery (for crunch)
• Green onion or red onion (a little bite)
• Plain Greek yogurt or mayo (or a mix of both)
• Dijon mustard (optional but so good)
• Lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional add ins: apple chunks, grapes, baby spinach, a pinch of paprika

About the chicken, you can cook it any way you like. If you want a fun pecan vibe, check out this air fryer pecan crusted chicken and then chop it up for the salad. It gives a little extra texture and makes the whole thing feel extra special.

And if you are the type who likes sweet and savory salads, you might also love this apple pecan blue cheese salad. It is different, but it hits that same cozy crunchy craving.

How To Make this Healthy Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad

This is the part I love because it is basically just mix, taste, and chill. You do not need fancy tools, and you can do it while half paying attention to a podcast.

Here is my simple method:

1) Chop everything first. Dice the celery, slice the green onion, and roughly chop the pecans. If your chicken is in big chunks, shred or chop it into bite sized pieces.

2) Make the dressing in the bowl. I usually start with Greek yogurt, then add a spoonful of mayo for that classic chicken salad feel. Stir in Dijon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste it now. It should taste slightly brighter than you think, because the chicken will mellow it out.

3) Fold in the mix ins. Add chicken, cranberries, celery, onion, and pecans. Stir until everything is coated.

4) Chill if you have time. Even 20 minutes helps the flavors blend. If you are meal prepping, overnight is even better.

A quick note on keeping it healthy: using mostly Greek yogurt cuts the heaviness but still makes it creamy. If you are not a yogurt person, go with mayo, but add a bit more lemon juice to keep it from feeling too rich.

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is also a nice bridge recipe if you are trying to eat more salads but still want comfort food energy. For another meal prep friendly option with chicken, I have been into this chicken avocado pasta salad when I want something a little more filling.

How Should I Serve this Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad?

This is where you can really make it your own. I have eaten it straight out of the container while standing in front of the fridge, so yes, that is a valid serving option too.

Here are my favorite ways to serve it, depending on the vibe:

• Sandwich on toasted sourdough or whole wheat with lettuce
• Wrap with spinach and thin sliced apples
• Lettuce cups for a lighter, crunchy option
• On a big green salad with extra pecans and a few cranberries scattered on top
• With crackers like a snack plate, plus some fruit on the side

If you are serving it for guests, put it on a platter with croissants or mini rolls and let people build their own. It feels casual but still kind of cute, and nobody has to do extra work.

Also, if you love a seasonal salad moment, this one pairs nicely with something green and hearty on the side. I have made it alongside an autumn kale salad with chicken when I am feeding a few people and want more than one bowl on the table.

How To Store & Re-Use Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Leftovers

If you are making this for meal prep, you are in luck. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad holds up really well, as long as you store it the right way.

Storage tips that actually help

Use an airtight container. It keeps everything fresh and helps the salad not pick up fridge smells.

Keep it cold. Store it in the refrigerator and do not leave it sitting out for long, especially if you used yogurt.

Best within 3 to 4 days. It is usually safe a little longer, but the texture is best in that window.

Easy ways to reuse it so you do not get bored

Day one I love it as a sandwich. Day two I usually pile it over greens. Day three I turn it into a snack plate with crackers and fruit. If it starts to look a little dry after a couple days, just stir in a spoonful of yogurt or mayo and a tiny squeeze of lemon to wake it back up.

One more tip: if you know you want maximum crunch, store the pecans separately and mix them in right before eating. I do not always bother, but it is nice when you are trying to impress yourself at lunch.

Common Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. It is my favorite shortcut. Just remove the skin and chop the meat into small pieces so every bite gets dressing and crunch.

What can I use instead of mayo?

Greek yogurt is my go to. You can also use mashed avocado for a different flavor, but it will change the taste and make it a bit greener.

Do I need to toast the pecans?

No, but it helps. Toasting makes them taste nuttier and a little sweeter. Just do a quick toast in a dry pan for a few minutes and watch them closely.

Is this recipe gluten free?

The salad itself can be gluten free, just double check your add ins like mustard and dried cranberries. Serve it in lettuce cups or with gluten free crackers if needed.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

Make sure your chicken is not warm when you mix it, and do not overdo the lemon juice. Also, if your celery is extra juicy, pat it dry after chopping.

A simple lunch you will actually look forward to

If you want a meal that is quick, cozy, and not boring, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a really solid choice. It is creamy but still fresh, and the cranberries and pecans make it feel like more than just another chicken salad. If you like seeing how other home cooks put their spin on it, I have also enjoyed reading Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad – Nourished Simply and Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad | Munchin’ With Maddie. Make a batch, stash it in the fridge, and do future you a favor. You are going to love having lunch basically done and waiting.