Bright, creamy, and just a little sweet, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect fresh meal to lift your day. It’s packed with tender poached chicken, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery all tossed in a luscious honey-Dijon dressing.
I still remember the first time I made this salad — the colors alone made me smile. The juicy red cranberries popped against the pale chicken and the green celery, promising a bite full of texture and flavor. It quickly became my go-to when I needed something easy but special.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Delightfully creamy with just the right crunch from pecans and celery
- A perfect balance of sweet-tart cranberries and tangy Dijon honey dressing
- Poached chicken keeps it light and tender
- Fresh and colorful plating that looks as good as it tastes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Simple to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick fix that feels like a treat.
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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Description
A creamy chicken salad with poached diced chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and green onions tossed in a honey-Dijon mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
3 green onions, sliced
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Poach chicken breasts in simmering water until cooked through, about 12-15 minutes. Let cool and dice into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add diced chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, finely chopped celery, and sliced green onions to the bowl with dressing.
Gently fold all ingredients together until well coated with the dressing.
Scoop the salad neatly into a small mound onto a white round plate.
Garnish the top with whole pecans and a few whole dried cranberries for an elegant finish.
Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
FAQ
Is this salad easy to make ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it chilled. Just add the pecans right before serving to keep them crunchy.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving.
Save this recipe for your next lunch or dinner. Print it out, tuck it in your recipe box, and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite.