If there’s ever been a salad that wins hearts with just one bite, it’s the Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy. This vibrant, crave-worthy recipe dances with juicy chicken, tart cranberries, toasty pecans, crisp celery, and a dreamy creaminess that somehow manages to be both rich and light. Whether you’re scooping it onto buttery croissants, crisp lettuce, or your favorite crackers, every forkful is a festival of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Trust me—this is one of those salads you’ll find any excuse to make again and again!

Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy plays a starring role, blending classic comfort with modern freshness. This short list is proof that a handful of pantry staples, when thoughtfully paired, can make a meal that feels downright gourmet.

Cooked shredded or chopped chicken (2½ cups): Rotisserie chicken adds rich flavor and effortless prep; just shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Dried cranberries (½ cup): Their tart sweetness provides little bursts of flavor in every bite.
Chopped pecans (½ cup, toasted): Toasted pecans bring a deep, nutty crunch that’s simply addictive.
Celery (2 stalks, finely diced): Gives a refreshing, delicate crunch that balances the creamy dressing.
Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Adds a gentle zing and beautiful color to the mix.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Classic, creamy, and essential for binding all the flavors together.
Plain Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons, optional): For extra tang and a lighter touch, use in place of some mayo.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): The secret weapon for a tangy, slightly sharp undertone.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens everything up and keeps the flavors lively.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Don’t skip these; seasoning brings it all home.

How to Make Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy

Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding the shredded or chopped chicken, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, diced celery, and chopped red onion. This sets up the perfect balance of protein, sweetness, crunch, and color. I love piling everything in the bowl—it already looks like something special before the dressing arrives!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt (if you’re using it), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk until you’ve got a smooth, creamy dressing that’s just begging to mingle with your chicken and toppings.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour that luscious dressing over the chicken mixture, then use a spatula or big spoon to gently toss everything so it’s evenly coated. You’ll see the colors shine and the aroma is irresistible! Don’t rush this—you want every piece to get a little love from the dressing.

Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover the bowl and pop your Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This short chill gives the flavors time to become best friends, making the salad tastier and the texture even better.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like a dash more salt or pepper. Then it’s all yours: spoon onto croissants, scoop into lettuce cups, or serve alongside crisp crackers. Dive in and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans looks gorgeous and adds a final punch of freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a few extra dried cranberries on top turn it into a showstopper.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a light, leafy green salad, juicy sliced melon, or a handful of kettle-cooked chips for crunch. A cup of soup or roasted sweet potatoes also make this Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy a wonderfully filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing scoops inside halved avocados, spreading onto toasted whole grain bread, or serving in adorable mini phyllo cups for elegant bite-sized appetizers. This recipe is as fun to serve as it is to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen and mingle, so it’s just as good (if not better) the next day.

Freezing

While this salad isn’t ideal for freezing—because the dressing can separate and the celery can lose its crunch—it’s so easy to whip up fresh, there’s really no need. For best taste and texture, stick to the fridge.

Reheating

No reheating required! In fact, this Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy is best served chilled or at cool room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, just give it a quick stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly and is a wonderful way to use up holiday extras. Just shred or chop it as you would the chicken.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Scatter them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring often until fragrant and golden. Keep a close eye because they can go from perfect to burnt quickly!

Can I make Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use all mayonnaise or a vegan mayo alternative, and skip the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free version.

What other fruits can I add?

Chopped apples or halved red grapes are fantastic additions for even more juicy sweetness and a pretty pop of color.

Will this work as a make-ahead lunch for meal prep?

Definitely! Just pack individual portions in airtight containers and bring along some greens, crackers, or bread. It’s a lunch you’ll genuinely look forward to all week long.

Final Thoughts

You’ll find there’s something truly special about sharing Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy, whether it’s at your lunch table or for a crowd. Give it a try—you might discover your new go-to favorite salad!

Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Sweet & Crunchy Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad combines the sweetness of dried cranberries with the crunch of toasted pecans, all mixed with tender chicken in a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing summer meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad:

2½ cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken (rotisserie or poached)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
2 celery stalks (finely diced)
¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)

Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (optional, for tang)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Coat salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until well coated.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Enjoy on croissants, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.