Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad (Creamy & Easy)
This cranberry pecan chicken salad is a flavorful twist on classic chicken salad, combining tender chopped chicken with a creamy dressing and a touch of sweetness. It comes together quickly, yet the finished dish looks elegant and special—perfect for lunches, gatherings, or using up leftover poultry.
The salad features a base of chopped cooked chicken mixed with mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. Dried cranberries add sweetness, chopped pecans bring a crunchy texture, and sliced green onions add a fresh bite. Serve it on a croissant, with crackers, or over a fresh bed of lettuce.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad (Creamy & Easy)
Course: Lunch, SaladCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes~350
kcalIngredients
4 cups cooked chicken, chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup pecans, chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
4 green onions, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
Start with four cups of cooked chicken. If using freshly cooked chicken, allow it to cool completely before combining it with the dressing. Chop the chicken into chunks once cooled. - Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly. Season the mixture with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, mixing again until well blended. - Chop the Pecans and Green Onions
Chop one cup of pecans into small pieces if they are whole. Slice four green onions into thin pieces and set aside. - Combine the Chicken With Dressing
Add the chopped chicken into the bowl with the dressing. Stir to evenly coat all the chicken pieces with the creamy mixture. - Add Cranberries and Pecans
Pour in ½ cup of dried cranberries along with the chopped pecans. Gently fold them into the chicken mixture until well combined. - Finish With Green Onions
Add the sliced green onions last, stirring to distribute them evenly throughout the salad. - Serve
Enjoy the chicken salad on a croissant, over lettuce, with crackers, or on its own.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Allowing the chicken to cool fully before mixing prevents the dressing from thinning and keeps the texture creamy and cohesive.
