Name: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, chilled and cubed (1-inch cubes); 1 cup dried cranberries; 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced; ¾ cup pecans, chopped; 2 stalks celery, finely diced; ¾ cup mayonnaise; 2 Tablespoons sour cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 Tablespoons sliced green onions, optional garnish

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 18 reviews

If you’re searching for a salad that absolutely sings with flavor and crunch, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad hits all the right notes. Tender chicken gets wrapped up with tart dried cranberries, sweet-tart apple chunks, and buttery, toasty pecans, all brought together with a creamy, dreamy dressing. Whether you pile it high on a buttery croissant, tuck it into lettuce cups, or just savor it by the spoonful straight from the fridge, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad delivers maximum comfort with a gorgeous mix of tastes and textures you’ll crave again and again.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delicious recipe comes together almost effortlessly and relies on classic, wholesome ingredients. Each component adds its own unique flair—there’s texture, tang, sweetness, and a bit of savory all dancing together in harmony. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad shine:

Cooked chicken breast, chilled and cubed: The heart of the dish; using cold, cubed chicken breast ensures every bite is juicy and holds its shape in the creamy mix.
Dried cranberries: These add a lovely pop of tart sweetness and a chewy bite that perks up every forkful.
Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced: The apple brings a fresh, crisp note and just enough tang to balance the richness of the dressing.
Pecans, chopped: Give an irresistible crunch and a buttery, nutty profile—toast them for even more flavor if you like!
Celery, finely diced: Classic for chicken salad, celery adds crispness and earthiness that lightens the overall feel.
Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation that ties everything together with a silky, indulgent texture.
Sour cream: This gives a slight tang and extra creaminess, next-leveling the dressing’s depth.
Salt: Brings the flavors alive and enhances every single ingredient.
Onion powder: For a gentle savory kick without overpowering the freshness.
Black pepper: Adds a whiff of warmth and a gentle bite to balance the sweet elements.
Sliced green onions (optional garnish): They add color, freshness, and a mild onion bite that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Mixture

Start by getting a large mixing bowl and add your chopped, chilled chicken breast, dried cranberries, crunchy diced apples, buttery chopped pecans, and snappy celery. This master mix is where the magic begins—a rainbow of ingredients and textures, ready for their creamy dressing moment.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth, dreamy, and without a single lump. This rich mixture is what gives the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad its signature luscious mouthfeel.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss until every piece of chicken, cranberry, apple, and pecan is lavishly coated with the creamy dressing. The goal is to ensure every bite is a perfect balance of all those crave-worthy flavors.

Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Cover your salad bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least one hour—this helps the flavors meld and really develop that signature Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad depth. Patience pays off here!

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Before serving, sprinkle on some sliced green onions for extra color and pop. Now, all that’s left is to serve. Spoon it onto bread, croissants, lettuce leaves, or load it up in your favorite way.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish of sliced green onions adds both color and a subtle zing, making each scoop of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad not only look more inviting but taste more vibrant. Try extra apple slices, a scattering of more chopped toasted pecans, or even a little sprinkle of fresh parsley for an eye-catching finish.

Side Dishes

This salad plays beautifully with all sorts of sides. Pair it with a fresh green salad, a cup of soup, or even kettle-cooked chips for crunch. Warm rolls or buttery croissants are instant winners, while simple crackers or pita chips make for an easy lunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful: serve the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for a stunning appetizer. Scoop it into endive leaves for an easy, elegant finger food at parties, or stuff hearty wraps and grain bowls for weekday meal-prep luncheons that never get boring.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it absolutely perfect for easy lunches or snacking throughout the week. Always give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch or simply can’t finish it all at once, freeze the salad in a resealable bag labeled with the date. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad will keep for up to 3 months frozen. Just note: some ingredients—like celery and apples—may soften a bit after thawing, so the texture can change but the flavors will still be delightful.

Reheating

No reheating is required for this salad! Instead, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. If there’s excess moisture after thawing, simply stir in a little extra mayo or a squeeze of lemon juice to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker and adds a hint of extra flavor. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces for the best texture in your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.

What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews work beautifully if pecans aren’t on hand or you prefer a different nut. Each brings its own unique crunch and flavor but will still complement the cranberries and apple perfectly.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Definitely! Substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier twist. You can also use light sour cream or add extra celery and apple for even more freshness and crunch.

Can I make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad actually gets better as the flavors mingle—just whip it together up to 24 hours in advance, store it in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before serving.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

If you’re prepping in advance, toss your diced apple in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad. This simple step keeps them crisp and bright, ensuring your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad looks as fresh as it tastes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with lunchtime all over again, give this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad a try. It’s the kind of irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as good for cozy lunches as it is for brunch spreads, parties, or picnics. I can’t wait for you to taste just how magical the sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and juicy chicken are together!