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
SusanM says
I always read reviews before trying a recipe to see if there's any issues folks ran into, but it looks like all the commenters were busy drooling over the luscious photos! I actually made your recipe with the leftovers from a Costco chicken, oh my goodness is it ever good! I like that there's not too much mayo and I'm making it every week now as a great lunch, summer dinner, or snack on crackers. Thanks for sharing this terrific recipe!!
Kathy says
Thanks for your lovely comment! I'm glad to know the recipe was loved as much by you as it is by us! Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback! 🙂
SusanM says
Kathy, my 21-yr-old son has been stopping by for curbside sandwiches before he goes to work each night, and he still requests this as his favorite. He likes it with extra cranberries. I don't want to burn him out so we're going to try your Chicken Caesar wrap this week for a little variety. Thank you for helping me stay connected to my big kid, and provide a homey touch during his night-shift isolation made deeper with this pandemic. I'm finding home baking is also a big hit with his co-workers, so we're going to try the carrot cookies this week too! Thank you for sharing all these lovely recipes on your site.
Kathy says
Thank you!!! I love how you are able to still connect with your son even during these times! There's nothing better than food to say, I love you! 🙂
Kim | Low Carb Maven says
Hi Kathy. I feel the same about food in a pouch. Lol. My mother used to make a similar chicken salad with pecans and grapes. I think the cranberries sounds so much nicer and I love the idea of enjoying the salad on croissants which have to be the best invention evvver. Thanks for a great recipe.
Kathy says
I have also had chicken salad with grapes! Totally forgot about that until you mentioned it! I loved that version too!
Smitha says
Salad is wildly tempting. loved the sald so much i feel hungry. Need a similar one to satisfy my craving
Amanda says
This is definitely my kind of chicken salad. I love all the flavors you have going on here. The pecans and cranberries sound great!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Indeed this is a droolicious chicken salad, Kathy. Chunks of chicken + dried cranberries +crunchy pecans and fresh basil? So much in love with this! 🙂
Kathy says
That pretty much sums up our feelings too!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
I've had that chicken salad sample at the Costco! I am absolutely 100% positive that your homemade version is so much better!
Kathy says
Oh good....I'm glad I made my own!
mira says
That's exactly how I like my chicken salad! On a croissant, too! Looks delicious!
Kathy says
The croissant are a rare treat in our house. It really was wonderful with the chicken salad.
Smitha says
Iam a lover of such healthy salads. This one is colorful and appetizing kathy. Iam drooling over. Feel like tossing one and satisfy my craving
Kathy says
Thanks! 🙂
Katie Crenshaw says
Kathy, this chicken salad looks fabulous!!! I live the addition of cranberries and pecans! Thanks for the yummy recipe!
Kathy says
The cranberries and pecans make this a winner!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Yep, I'm drooling...all over my keyboard! Nothing like a good homemade chicken salad, I always say! De-lish!!
Kathy says
Sorry about causing all that drool! Just trying to make you hungry 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
No offense to Costco, but I'm positive you chicken salad blows theirs right outta the water, Kathy! This looks so delicious and flavorful, dear! Chicken salad heaven up in here! Cheers, friend! 😉
Kathy says
Absolute Heaven!
David @ Spiced says
This sounds like one amazing chicken salad, Kathy! The pecans in there would give this one an excellent crunch. Well done! And wouldn't you know it, but we made a chicken salad this weekend, too. I didn't take pictures (maybe next time), but apparently we are both craving some chicken salad right now! 🙂
Kathy says
I always love a little flavorful crunch!
Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says
I love how you put this "salad" on a croissant! I love those. This looks like what I'm hoping Bob Evans makes (don't mock me for eating there, kids eat free on Tuesdays, ha) The cranberries give it a real punch too! Yum.
Kathy says
No judging here....if kids eat free, it's good for me 🙂
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries.com says
I was already drooling when I saw the feature image 😉 Love the combination of pecans and dried cranberries ♡
Kathy says
Pecans and cranberries are great together!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
The cranberries in there sound awesome!
Kathy says
They add such a colorful sweetness!
Jess @ Sweetest Menu says
Kathy, I just love your new website! It looks fantastic! As does this delicious salad. What a delightful combo!
Kathy says
Thanks for noticing! I have made some changes 🙂 I'm glad you like it!
Dawn says
Yes, I CAN imagine how awesome this is, especially since you have it served on a buttery croissant. Totally want this right now 🙂 !! Yum!
Kathy says
Thanks, Dawn! My kids loved the chicken salad on the croissants!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I'm drooling, I'm drooling! This sounds fabulous Kathy! I make chicken salad quite often, but now mine sounds so boring against this one! Love the pecans and the cranberries! On my list!
Adina says
I am drooling, I love this kind of salad. And the buns look great too, croissant-like, never had any like that.
Kathy says
It has quickly become a favorite in our house!
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
I tend to nosh all day on dried cranberries (I can't resist walking by the bag of cranberries without having some). I should definitely build on this and include them in a salad. Looks simple and delicious!
Kathy says
I love dried cranberries too! They add a sweet touch to this chicken salad.