Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a quick and easy recipe. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, tart cranberries, sweet apples, and pecans. Serve as lettuce wraps, a sandwich, salad, or on crackers.

Cranberry chicken salad with pecans is loaded with different flavors and textures. Start with shredded chicken. Cook your own or grab a rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal. Then add celery, dried cranberries, sweet apples, and crushed pecans. Toss in mayo, salt, pepper, garlic, and dill. Mix together for a quick lunch. It is the best cranberry pecan chicken salad recipe that can be served any time of the year!

Ingredients in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Chicken
• Celery
• Apple
• Cranberries
• Pecans
• Mayo
• Spices- Salt, pepper, dill, and garlic powder.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

1. In a large bowl, add shredded chicken, apples, celery, cranberries, and pecans.
2. In a small bowl, mix together mayo, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Pour the mayo mixture into the chicken mixture. Stir to fully combine.
3. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Chicken Salad Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Use reduced sugar Craisins for a healthier option.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken-You can use boiled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken. I used rotisserie chicken.
• Mayo-I prefer mayo with olive oil. But you can use any kind of mayo or miracle whip.
• Add grapes cut in half, or replace the apple with grapes.
• Nuts- I like pecans but you could use walnuts or another nut if desired.
• Make it with leftover turkey after the holidays.

How to Serve Chicken Salad

• Sandwich- Sandwich style with sliced bread or a croissant.
• Wrap- Wrapped in lettuce or a tortilla.
• Salad- With spinach or spring mix and a little oil.
• Crackers- Spoon onto crackers for a great snack.
• Veggies- Serve on top of cucumber or zucchini slices.
• Stuffed- Top an avocado half.

Can you use Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayo?

Yes, you can absolutely use greek yogurt instead of mayo.

How to Cook Chicken for Chicken Salad?

Cook chicken breasts in chicken broth in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop. You could also roast the chicken in the oven. Then shred it.

Can you Make Cranberry Chicken Salad in Advance?

Yes, it actually tastes better if you make it a little ahead of time. This allows the flavors to develop. Make the salad 30 minutes prior up to a day ahead of time.

Storage

Store leftover chicken salad with cranberries, pecans, and apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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