Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delicious salad filled with chunks of chicken, dried cranberries and crunchy pecans. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
This easy salad can be thrown together in just 10 minutes and is a perfect way to use up leftover chicken or turkey!
A tasty recipe for leftover chicken
After we cook up a whole chicken, we always have leftovers. Finding delicious ways to use it up is key so nobody gets tired of the same old thing.
This chicken salad is perfect for using up a rotisserie chicken or a whole barbecued chicken. It's filled with delicious chicken, sweetness from the dried cranberries, and a bit of crunch from the pecans, and is covered lightly with a zesty dressing.
But I don't always wait until we have leftovers. Sometimes I'll cook up a couple of chicken breasts just for making this salad. Or when grilling chicken breasts, I will plan ahead and add a couple of extra pieces to save for making this salad.
You could also use leftover turkey to make this tasty recipe. It's a perfect way to use up that Thanksgiving turkey!
This salad is delicious eaten all by itself or added to a lettuce wrap or eaten in a sandwich on sliced bread or a croissant.
Make this salad in the evening and you've got a tasty lunch for your lunch box!
Key ingredients
This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.
- Leftover chicken - one you've made or a rotisserie chicken. Cut chicken into small cubes. Leftover turkey can be used as well!
- Dried cranberries - sweetened cranberries add just the perfect amount of sweetness to this salad.
- Pecans - add a delicious taste and crunch. Walnuts or cashews can be used in place of the pecans.
- Red onions - the onions add a little zest and crunch. Feel free to use green onions instead.
- Mayonnaise - ties everything together in a light-tasting dressing. Use plain Greek yogurt if you want to lighten things up a bit.
Step-by-step directions
In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Combine mayonnaise, dried mustard, and vinegar together
- Place chopped chicken, cranberries, pecans, and onions in a bowl
- Mix in the prepared dressing
- Add salt and pepper
Recipe tips
- Use chopped or shredded chicken or leftover turkey!
- The amount of salt and pepper added will vary depending on the chicken you used.
- If I use grilled chicken breasts, they are already heavily seasoned and I only need to add a touch of salt and pepper
- Always taste first and then add salt and pepper in small amounts
- Can substitute dijon mustard for the dried mustard
Recipe Faqs
Chicken salad will last 3-4 days when covered and refrigerated.
Yes, you can use canned chicken. Be certain to fully drain any liquid off the chicken before using.
Variations
Make this salad you own by adding your favorite ingredients! Some options to try include:
- Chopped celery
- Tart apples, chopped
- Sweet bell peppers
- A bit of fresh cilantro, basil or parsley
Ways to Eat Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Add to a croissant with crisp lettuce
- Wrap in lettuce leaves for a lettuce wrap
- Roll in a tortilla with lettuce for a tortilla wrap
- Serve with crackers
- Eat straight from the bowl
- Serve in a hollowed-out tomato
- On homemade sandwich bread
More delicious salads
- Oriental Chicken Salad
- Pasta and Pea Salad
- Black Bean Salad
- Classic Chicken Salad
- Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
If you loved this recipe, you'll LOVE all the others in this category. Check out all my salad recipes here!
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Chef Knife
Ingredients
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (lightly chopped)
- ¼ cup pecans (chopped)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (cubed)
- 2 Tablespoon red onions (sliced)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken, cranberries, pecans and red onions in a large mixing bowl.¼ cup dried cranberries, ¼ cup pecans, 2 cups cooked chicken
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar together.¼ cup mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon dried mustard, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- Add mayonnaise mixture to chicken mixture, stir lightly.2 Tablespoon red onions
- Add salt and pepper to taste.Salt and Pepper to taste
Notes
- Use chopped or shredded chicken
- Turkey can also be used in place of the chicken
- The amount of salt and pepper added will vary depending on the chicken you used.
- If I use grilled chicken breasts, they are already heavily seasoned and I only need to add a touch of salt and pepper
- Always taste first and then add salt and pepper in small amounts
- Can substitute dijon mustard for the dried mustard
- Add in chopped celery, tart apples, bell peppers or fresh cilantro or parsley
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
Stephanie says
Can I use Dijon mustard?
Kathy says
Yes! Dijon mustard can be used in place of the dried mustard. I'd start with 1/2 teaspoon and then taste and add another 1/2 teaspoon if you think it needs it.
Enjoy 🙂