Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This cranberry pecan chicken salad is my go-to because it’s the perfect mix of sweet and crunchy. You might not think red onion, celery, pecans, and cranberries would go together, but they work wonderfully in this dish. Plenty of protein makes it a great pick-me-up during a busy day.

It’s also such a versatile recipe that always gets compliments. I love making it for spring events, baby showers, or just as a simple lunch during the week. Depending on the occasion, I serve it on soft croissants, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of fresh greens. What’s more, it’s quick to whip up and perfect for preparing in advance, which means a stress-free meal for me.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

With just the right amount of sweetness and crunch, this chicken salad recipe is perfect for spring parties or showers… or just to keep in your fridge all the time for a delicious lunch!

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Serving Size people

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife (for chopping chicken, celery, and red onion)
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
Plastic wrap or airtight container (for chilling the salad)

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken chopped (poached breast recommended)
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 stalk celery chopped
¼ cup red onion (minced)
¾ tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken. If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, poach chicken breasts by simmering them in water on the stovetop for about 20 minutes until fully cooked, or use a pressure cooker on high for 9 minutes. Once done, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the ingredients. Combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, honey, salt, pepper, dried cranberries, and pecans in a large mixing bowl. Then, stir everything together until evenly mixed.
Chill. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend well. For a quick version, you can serve immediately, but chilling enhances the taste.
Serve. This salad is delicious and served on a buttery croissant, in sandwiches, on top of mixed greens, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Notes

I usually cook chicken breast for this recipe. Just boil it in water on the stove until it’s done, or use a pressure cooker for 9 minutes. You’ll need about 2-3 breasts.

If you don’t want your salad too sweet, start with a little less honey and add more if needed. It’s easier to add than to take away!

Add a bit of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if the salad feels too sweet or heavy. This can help make the flavors brighter and less heavy.

Adding a small amount of cheese can enhance the salad. Try some crumbled goat cheese, feta, or shredded cheddar for a different taste.

Don’t forget to taste the salad after you mix everything. Depending on how flavorful the chicken and mayo are, you might need to add a bit of salt and pepper.

I gave you the nutrition information for a small part of the salad, about 2 ounces or ¼ cup.

If you need a fast and simple recipe for a regular lunch or to share at gatherings, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is just the thing. It mixes tender chicken with sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and the perfect creamy dressing.

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a also great dish for holiday gatherings, adding a fresh and flavorful option to your spread. To keep the cranberry theme throughout your celebration, try baking these festive Cranberry Christmas Cookies for a sweet treat your guests will love.

bowl of finished chicken salad with cranberries, pecans and red onion.

I’m confident you’ll find it just as delicious!

Tips for the Best Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

When cutting up the ingredients, make them small and even. This way, every forkful has a little of everything—no one likes biting into a big piece of chicken or a tiny piece of celery!
If you’re in a hurry or like your salad ingredients finely chopped, use a food processor to quickly do the job with the celery, red onion, and chicken. But don’t turn them into mush – you’re aiming for small pieces, not a smooth mix!
Mix everything carefully. Stirring too hard can break up the chicken and make the salad mushy.
For a fresh and crisp salad, wait for the chicken to cool down before mixing it in. This stops the mayo from getting too thin.
The taste of this salad improves over time. Make it the night before or a few hours early if you can. This lets the flavors mix nicely.
This salad is perfect for planning meals. Make a double batch and divide it for quick lunches during the week. Keep any bread separate until you’re ready to eat to keep it from getting soggy.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Here’s a simple rundown on what you need and why it matters for whipping up a great chicken salad:

chicken salad ingredients on wooden counter.

Mayonnaise: This holds the salad together, making everything creamy. If you want something a bit lighter, you could use Greek yogurt or a mix with mayo to keep the creaminess but cut down on the heaviness.
Dried cranberries: These are found in the baking or dried fruit section. They add a sweet and chewy kick that contrasts nicely with the smooth dressing and the crunch from the nuts. Switch dried cranberries out for raisins, dried cherries, or even some chopped dried apricots for a different kind of sweet chew.
Pecans: They bring a satisfying crunch and a hint of nuttiness. Instead of pecans, you can go with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you’re after a similar crunch. Once you’ve enjoyed this flavorful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, why not keep the pecan theme? Treat yourself to a delicious dessert like this Caramel Pecan Ice Cream for the perfect sweet finish.
Honey: It sweetens the salad, balancing out the sour cranberries and the rich mayo. If you want to cut down on sweetness, choose maple syrup or skip it instead of honey.
Red onion: Its zing cuts through the creamy mayo, adding flavor and a pop of color. If it’s too strong, soaking it in cold water before using it can soften the edge. Green onions or shallots could also be a gentler alternative.
Large mixing bowl: A big, sturdy bowl on hand is crucial for mixing everything neatly and thoroughly. It should be big enough so all your ingredients fit easily.

Focusing on these essentials will help you get the chicken salad right, with a perfect mix of flavors and textures!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken salad with croissants, crackers, mixed greens, lettuce wraps, pita bread, honey wheat sandwich bread, and cucumber onion salad.

Troubleshooting and Help

Do I have to use poached chicken?

Not at all! Poached chicken is nice and tender, but if you have leftover grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken, that works perfectly, too. Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a bit more flavor.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

Dried cranberries are the best choice because they add a chewy texture. Fresh cranberries are too tart and crunchy, so they won’t have the same balance. But if you want to try something different, you could use raisins or dried cherries!

How do I toast the pecans?

Toasting pecans is easy! Just throw them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir for a few minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. It brings out their flavor, so it’s worth the extra step!

What can I use if I don’t have pecans?

No pecans? No problem! You can swap them out for walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you want to keep the crunch. Just about any nut will work; toasting them will still give that nice, nutty flavor. If you’re nut-free, consider using pumpkin seeds for a similar texture.

Can I make this salad without the honey?

Definitely! If you like it less sweet or need to skip honey for dietary reasons, you can leave it out. You can also replace it with a small splash of maple syrup or even a pinch of sugar, though it’s completely fine to skip it altogether if you like things more savory.

Can I add any other ingredients?

Totally! This salad is pretty versatile, so add extras like diced apples, grapes, or even chopped cucumber. If you like a little spice, throw in a pinch of cayenne or chopped green onions for a mild kick.

My salad turned out too thick—what should I do?

If your salad is a bit too thick for your liking, you can loosen it up by adding a tablespoon or two of milk, lemon juice, or even a little extra mayo. Just stir it in gradually until it reaches the consistency you rather have.

How do I adjust the recipe for fewer or more servings?

You can cut the recipe in half if you’re making it for a smaller group. On the other hand, if you’re feeding a crowd, just double or triple the ingredients. The recipe scales well—make sure you have a big enough bowl!

Can I serve this to guests at a party?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for entertaining, whether you serve it as a sandwich filling, in lettuce wraps, or on a platter with crackers and veggies. It’s easy to make and holds up well, making it a stress-free party dish. If you’re hosting a festive gathering, pair it with a refreshing drink like this delicious Christmas Sangria.

Storage Instructions

Place this salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 days. Before serving, stir it to refresh the flavors. For more detailed guidelines on properly storing and handling leftovers, check out these USDA food safety tips.

Unfortunately, this recipe does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise-based dressing, which can separate and become watery after freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it!

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is an easy and delicious choice for me anytime. It’s quick to whip up and simple to keep, and I love how I can tweak it to my taste. Whether you want to serve it at lunch, for a gathering, or keep it in the fridge for when things get hectic, I know it will quickly become one of your favorites.

The blend of soft chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans in every bite is satisfying. It’s versatile enough to go with any favorite breads, greens, or crackers, making it perfect for any situation. So try it, and it’s the perfect recipe for special occasions and everyday meals.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad