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chicken salad with pecans and cranberries

Chicken Salad with Pecans and Cranberries

This creamy, crunchy, and sweet-tart chicken salad with pecans and cranberries is a heartwarming twist on a Southern classic. With juicy chicken, toasted nuts, and a tangy dressing, it's perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or cozy gatherings. Easy, wholesome, and full of flavor — just like Mom used to make.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Small Skillet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup pecans toasted and chopped

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • honey optional, for added sweetness
  • fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare chicken: Use cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken works well — remove skin and shred into bite-sized pieces.
  • Toast pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Toast chopped pecans for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
  • Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cranberries, celery, and toasted pecans.
  • Make the dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Combine: Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold until fully coated. Avoid overmixing.
  • Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Serve: Scoop into croissants, wraps, lettuce cups, or over greens. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Chill before serving for best flavor. Toasting the pecans adds depth and crunch. Add honey for sweetness or parsley for a fresh pop of color. Great for meal prep — stays fresh for 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 28gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.1mg
Keyword chicken salad, Cranberries, Fall Recipes, Pecans
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