Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors with juicy chicken crunchy pecans tart cranberries and a creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s great for meal prep sandwiches wraps or served over greens.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes (uses pre-cooked chicken)
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 cups cooked and diced chicken (grilled or rotisserie)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
2 green onions sliced
1/2 cup celery finely chopped
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes for extra crunch
Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl whisk together:
Greek yogurt/mayo
Dijon mustard
Honey
Poppy seeds
Lemon juice
Salt & pepper
Combine Everything
Add chicken cranberries pecans celery and green onions to the bowl
Toss everything together until evenly coated
Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld
Enjoy on sandwiches in wraps with crackers or over salad greens
Tips for Success
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick prep option
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a variation
Try adding apples or grapes for an extra fruity twist
For a healthier option use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: It’s great with lettuce wraps sandwiches croissants or even crackers
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~350 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 350mg (varies based on ingredients)
Conclusion
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of sweet crunch and creaminess making it a go-to recipe for quick meals meal prep or entertaining. It’s easy to customize versatile and packed with flavor. Whether served on a sandwich in a wrap over greens or with crackers this salad is sure to be a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious wholesome meal in minutes!