Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe

Oh, there is nothing like a Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe. There’s just something so warm and fuzzy about that first bite of juicy chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, and buttery pecans all mixing between my teeth. If you’re a fan of creamy, can’t-stop-eating flavor bombs like, say, Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad, this version will give you that same sense of all the comfort you’ll need while tossing in a bonus layer of texture and contrast to keep every bite engaging.

This recipe lands very nicely in both classic and upscale settings. Juicy chicken is the meaty base, and dried cranberries add little pops of sweetness, which wakes up the entire dish, similarly to the way Apple Chickpea Salad or 1905 Salad Recipe. The toasted pecans add a warm, nutty crunch that makes the salad taste indulgent but not heavy, especially when combined with a light, creamy dressing inspired by classic deli-style chicken salads.

What is really special about this Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe is its versatility. And make it as flexible as possible by using it not just on a sandwich, but alongside some greens for a lovely lunch, or served as an option for more protein in light lunch items like Grandma’s Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s a dish that somehow seems equally appropriate for meal prep as it does for dinner parties, straightforward, sophisticated and endlessly satisfying.

Origins – Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe

The Chicken Salad With Cranberries and Pecans Recipe is a modern American development of those eternal deli-style chicken salads that emerged as popular fare in the middle of the last century, when home cooks turned toward cooked chicken, mayonnaise and straightforward pantry add-ins to make satisfying, prepare-ahead meals. In time, these salads evolved from mere celery and onions to a sweet-and-savory affair, their inspiration coming from holiday stuffing mixes as well as Waldorf salads and cafe lunch specials.

Throwing dried cranberries into the mix also taps into the increasing practice of adding fruit to savory recipes, a trend that’s evident in salads such as Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad and holiday standbys served at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Cranberries brought with them color, a little tang and a bit of sweetness that paired nicely against creamy dressings.

Pecans, a longstanding favorite in Southern and Midwestern cooking, brought richness and crunch that lifted the recipe up to something more sophisticated, more texture-forward. Today, this recipe falls somewhere between old-school comfort food and something new and fresh for meal prep, like reader favorites Apple Chickpea Salad or 1905 Salad Recipe.

Health Benefits – Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe

This recipe isn’t just delicious; it offers a thoughtful balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness when prepared mindfully.

• Chicken provides lean protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety, similar to protein-rich dishes like Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad Recipe
• Cranberries contribute antioxidants that support heart and urinary tract health, echoing benefits found in fruit-forward salads such as Apple Snicker Salad Recipe
• Pecans supply healthy monounsaturated fats and minerals that promote heart health, just like nuts used in Grain-Free Granola Recipe
• When paired with lighter dressings, this salad can fit into balanced eating plans without sacrificing flavor

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Tips & Tricks – Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe

• Use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for deeper flavor and convenience, just like in Grandma’s Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Toast pecans lightly before mixing to intensify their nutty aroma and crunch
• Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving so flavors meld beautifully
• Balance sweetness by tasting before serving and adjusting with a touch of lemon or mustard
• For meal prep, store dressing separately to maintain ideal texture

Variations – Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe

• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch profile
• Replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture
• Add diced apples or grapes for extra freshness, similar to Apple Chickpea Salad
• Turn it into a wrap or sandwich filling using ideas from Turkey and Cheese Wrap Recipe
• Serve it over greens for a lunch-style bowl inspired by Quinoa Salad Recipe

Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe From OoohDelish!

Tender chicken meets sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans in this creamy, balanced salad.
Every bite delivers rich texture with just the right touch of sweetness.
Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or fresh lunch bowls.
Easy to prep ahead and ideal for gatherings or weekday meals.
A timeless chicken salad with a festive, modern twist.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe

A creamy, sweet-and-savory chicken salad made with tender chicken, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a perfectly balanced dressing; ideal for lunches, sandwiches, or light dinners.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Healthy Side Dishes & Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 390

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Cooked chicken Diced or shredded
• 1/3 cup Dried cranberries Sweetened
• 1/3 cup Pecans Lightly toasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup Celery Finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Red onion Finely diced
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Adjust to taste
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Optional but recommended
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice Fresh
• 1/4 tsp Salt Or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground

Equipment

• 1 Large mixing bowl
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Sharp knife
• 1 Measuring cups
• 1 Measuring spoons
• 1 Spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Combine cooked chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning or creaminess as needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

• For a lighter version, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Serve as a sandwich filling, wrap, or over fresh greens for a complete meal.

Share Your Twist on This Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe!

Did you make your Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans Recipe extra crunchy with more toasted pecans?
Did you add diced apple for a fresh snap, or swap mayo for a lighter mix like yogurt?
Maybe you served it in a wrap for an easy lunch vibe like this Turkey and Cheese Wrap Recipe, or made it picnic-ready alongside Quinoa Salad Recipe.

Whatever your twist is, we’d love to see it!
📸 Tag your creations with #OoohDelishTwist on Instagram or Facebook you might be featured.
💌 Want to share your unique version? Email us at contact@ooohdelish.com.

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