Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Celery: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Favorite

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You know that feeling—a craving hits for something comforting but not heavy, something easy but still bursting with flavor. That’s where this Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Celery comes in. It’s not just a recipe. It’s that go-to solution when you want your meal to feel homemade, balanced, and just a little bit elevated.

Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week, hosting a casual brunch, or putting together a quick dinner that still feels intentional, this chicken salad has you covered. It brings together a medley of flavors: savory shredded chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crisp celery, and rich, nutty pecans—all tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing.

If you’ve been searching for a flavorful way to upgrade your chicken salad routine, this is your answer.   Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Recipe

This isn’t your average deli-style chicken salad. It’s a flavor-forward recipe that doesn’t rely on heavy seasoning or complicated techniques to shine. You’re going to love how everything about this dish is designed with your taste and convenience in mind.

Here’s why this chicken salad stands out:

• Flavor Harmony: The sweetness of cranberries and sugar balances beautifully with the richness of mayo and chicken.
• Satisfying Texture: The crunch of celery and pecans gives every bite depth and a pleasing contrast.
• Simple Ingredients: You’re likely to already have most of what you need on hand.
• Meal Versatility: Use it for sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for crackers or salad greens.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Whether you’re watching your carbs, looking for a gluten-free lunch, or just need something quick and filling, this dish checks every box.

Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Celery

Before you dive in, it helps to have everything prepped and ready. Below is the full ingredient list formatted for easy reference.

Ingredient Table

Ingredient	Amount
Shredded cooked chicken	3 cups
Dried cranberries	½ cup
Chopped celery	½ cup
Chopped pecans	½ cup
Mayonnaise	1½ cups
Lemon juice	2 tablespoons
Sugar	2 tablespoons
Salt	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	¼ teaspoon

You can swap or tweak based on what’s in your pantry. Walnuts instead of pecans? Go for it. No lemon juice? A splash of apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.

How to Make Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Celery

Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s walk through the process. It’s straightforward, quick, and incredibly rewarding.

Step 1: Combine the Chicken Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

• 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Give everything a light toss to ensure it’s evenly mixed.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together:

• 1½ cups of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

Make sure it’s smooth and fully combined. You want a creamy texture that clings to your ingredients but doesn’t overpower them.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Pour the dressing over your chicken mixture and fold gently with a spatula or large spoon. Mix just enough to coat everything evenly—overmixing can break down the chicken too much.

Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you can let it sit overnight, even better. The flavors will have more time to develop, giving you a richer, more cohesive dish.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Scoop it onto croissants, serve it over leafy greens, or pair it with crackers for a light snack. However you enjoy it, this salad adapts beautifully.

Pro Tips and Variations to Make It Your Own

Let’s face it—every kitchen is different. You might be cooking for kids, prepping meals for work, or just winging it with what you’ve got. Here are some variations and tricks to make this recipe even more flexible:

Healthy Swaps:

• Replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for more protein and less fat.
• Use low-fat mayonnaise if you’re watching calories.

Add-Ins:

• Diced apples (Granny Smith or Fuji) for a juicy crunch
• Red onions for a hint of sharpness
• Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or tarragon for added freshness
• Grapes sliced in half for extra sweetness

Nut-Free Version:

• Skip the pecans or sub in roasted sunflower seeds.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad isn’t a one-trick pony. It works in so many scenarios that you’ll want to keep it on rotation. Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

Sandwiches and Wraps

• Croissants (soft and buttery, perfect for lunch)
• Whole grain bread or wraps for a heartier meal
• Pita pockets for mess-free eating

Light and Low-Carb Options

• Romaine or butter lettuce cups
• Served over a mixed greens salad
• With sliced cucumbers or celery sticks as dippers

Entertaining Platter

• Scoop into mini phyllo cups for easy party bites
• Serve in a bowl surrounded by crackers, crostini, and fresh vegetables

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Planning ahead? This salad holds up incredibly well.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Avoid Freezing: Mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well—it tends to separate.
• Meal prep: Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches.

Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate per Serving)

Want to keep track of what you’re eating? Here’s a rough estimate based on a serving size of 1 cup:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 6g

Note: These numbers can vary based on the ingredients you use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s already cooked and usually very tender, making it a time-saver.

Can I make this chicken salad dairy-free?

Yes, just make sure your mayonnaise is dairy-free (most are), and avoid adding any dairy-based mix-ins like cheese or yogurt.

What’s a good substitute for pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds all provide similar crunch and work well.

How long will this last in the fridge?

You can safely store this salad in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to keep it sealed tight.

Is it okay to freeze chicken salad?

Freezing is not recommended. The mayonnaise will separate when thawed, affecting both the texture and taste.

Conclusion: One Recipe, Endless Possibilities

You’ve just discovered a chicken salad that does more than fill you up. It delivers comfort, flavor, and a touch of creativity—whether you need a quick weekday lunch or something special for entertaining.

This Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, and Celery brings balance, flavor, and versatility to your table, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again.

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