The flavors of sweet dried cranberries and buttery toasted pecans blend beautifully with tender chicken in this creamy and refreshing Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. This dish takes a wholesome approach by using Greek yogurt and a touch of mayonnaise for a healthier spin on traditional chicken salad, without compromising flavor or texture.
Perfect for meal prep, school lunches, or an elegant tea sandwich spread, this salad adds brightness and crunch to every bite. You can customize it easily by adding celery, apples, or herbs, but the core ingredients already deliver a satisfying balance of savory and sweet. Whether you’re serving it on its own or tucked into a sandwich, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
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1/3 cup dried cranberries
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1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
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1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp light mayonnaise
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 green onion, finely sliced
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Optional: romaine lettuce, whole grain bread, or crackers for serving
Directions:
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In a large bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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Add in the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and green onions.
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Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
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Serve on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a delightful meal or snack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: A Sweet and Savory Classic Reinvented
There’s something undeniably comforting about a chilled chicken salad: cool, creamy, and full of texture. But when you add the tart sweetness of dried cranberries, the rich crunch of toasted pecans, and a lightened-up Greek yogurt dressing, it transforms into something truly special. This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad isn’t just another salad; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients that come together in one simple, elegant dish.
In today’s health-conscious world, it’s not enough for meals to taste good, they also need to feel good. That’s where this salad shines. It’s a perfect example of a balanced dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health. Using lean, protein-packed chicken and a dressing made with Greek yogurt and just a hint of mayonnaise, this recipe cuts the calories and fat typically found in traditional chicken salads while keeping all the richness and creaminess you expect. It’s versatile enough to be served for a light lunch, a meal prep staple, or even a festive holiday appetizer.
The History and Appeal of Chicken Salad
Chicken salad has long been a favorite across cultures and generations. Its roots trace back to the 19th century, when leftover poultry was mixed with mayonnaise, spices, and occasionally fruit or nuts, as a way to stretch meals creatively. Since then, it has evolved into a dish with countless regional variations, each one adding its own flair of seasonings, mix-ins, or dressings.
What makes chicken salad so enduringly popular? Simplicity and adaptability. You can enjoy it on its own, in lettuce wraps, sandwiches, croissants, crackers, or even stuffed in a pita. It’s quick to assemble and doesn’t require cooking if you already have leftover chicken. Plus, the flavor possibilities are nearly endless. That’s why the combination of cranberries and pecans has become a modern classic, offering both crunch and chew, sweetness and earthiness.
Nutritional Benefits of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
This recipe isn’t just about great taste; it’s packed with nutritional benefits too. Chicken breast is a lean protein that helps support muscle maintenance, metabolic health, and satiety. Greek yogurt, used in place of a full mayo base, adds probiotics and protein while lowering overall fat content.
Dried cranberries bring natural sweetness and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and dietary fiber, though it’s ideal to choose reduced-sugar or unsweetened versions when possible. Pecans offer healthy fats, fiber, and magnesium, contributing to heart health and better digestion. Even a small amount of Dijon mustard and green onions elevate the flavor profile while adding negligible calories.
Combined, these ingredients create a balanced macro-nutrient profile of proteins, fats, and a touch of natural carbs, making it ideal for those following low-carb, high-protein, or whole-food diets.
Versatile Ways to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
One of the best features of this dish is how easily it can be styled to fit different needs:
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Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb option, spoon the chicken salad into butter lettuce or romaine leaves. Perfect for keto or paleo diets.
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Whole Grain Bread or Wraps: Ideal for a hearty lunch. Try it on multigrain bread or inside a wrap with fresh spinach or arugula.
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Stuffed Tomatoes or Avocados: Hollow out a tomato or avocado and scoop in a generous portion of the chicken salad for an elevated brunch presentation.
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Crackers or Crostini: Serve as an appetizer or finger food for gatherings and picnics.
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Salad Topper: Add a scoop over a bed of greens like baby spinach, kale, or mixed greens for a more filling salad.
This recipe is also meal-prep friendly. Make a batch at the start of the week and enjoy satisfying lunches with minimal effort. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an excellent grab-and-go option.
Ingredient Swaps and Customization Ideas
If you like to put your own spin on recipes, you’ll love how easy it is to modify this one:
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Add Fruit: Sliced grapes or diced apples make a lovely addition alongside cranberries for even more sweetness.
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More Crunch: Add celery, cucumber, or chopped almonds to boost the crunch factor.
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Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free plain yogurt alternative.
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken, which adds more depth of flavor thanks to its seasoning.
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Try Fresh Herbs: Mix in parsley, dill, or tarragon for an herby twist.
This adaptability makes it suitable for all seasons and occasions. Around the holidays, it makes a great light meal between rich feasts. In spring and summer, it fits beautifully in picnic baskets and patio lunches. In the fall, the cranberry-pecan combo echoes the harvest season.
What Makes This Version Stand Out?
What sets this particular chicken salad apart is its thoughtful approach to balance. It doesn’t drown the ingredients in heavy mayonnaise, instead, the Greek yogurt provides a creamy base with a tangy freshness that lifts the dish. The cranberries add chewy sweetness that contrasts the crunch of toasted pecans. Every bite is layered with textures that make it interesting, satisfying, and a little addictive.
There’s also something comforting about the familiarity of the ingredients. You don’t need to hunt down specialty items or exotic spices, everything in this dish can be found in your local grocery store or pantry. That makes it the kind of recipe you can make again and again, whether you’re cooking for one or preparing lunch for a family.
A Crowd-Pleaser for All Occasions
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad isn’t just for solo lunches or family dinners, it’s a hit at potlucks, brunch buffets, and holiday gatherings. Serve it in phyllo cups or mini tart shells as an elegant appetizer. It’s light enough to keep people coming back for seconds, and flavorful enough to stand out among other dishes.
If you’re planning a baby shower, bridal lunch, or holiday meal, this salad adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor that guests will remember. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free with simple substitutions, making it accessible for a wide range of dietary needs.
Conclusion
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a timeless dish with modern appeal. It brings together wholesome ingredients, satisfying textures, and bright flavors in a way that feels indulgent but is actually quite healthy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch, a make-ahead meal prep option, or a dish that shines at gatherings, this salad checks every box.
It’s proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create meals that are not only nourishing but also crave-worthy. From the creamy Greek yogurt base to the pops of tart cranberry and crunchy pecan, every element is there for a reason and every bite tells a delicious story.
Make it once, and you’ll understand why this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a favorite worth adding to your regular rotation