A sweet, savory, crunchy chicken salad perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or meal prep lunches.
Servings
4–6 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- (Rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved (optional)
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 tsp honey
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped apples
- Toasted almonds
- Fresh parsley
- Poppy seeds
- Crumbled bacon
- Red onion
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the pecans (recommended)
Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat.
Toast for:
- 3–5 minutes
Stir frequently until fragrant.
Let cool.
This adds deeper flavor and crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Salt
- Pepper
Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired.
Step 3: Combine salad ingredients
Add to the bowl:
- Chicken
- Cranberries
- Pecans
- Celery
- Green onions
- Grapes (if using)
Stir until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for:
- 30 minutes
This helps flavors blend together.
Serving Ideas
Serve:
- On croissants
- In sandwich bread
- In wraps or pita
- Over mixed greens
- In lettuce cups
- With crackers
Storage
- Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days
- Do not freeze (mayo-based dressing may separate)
Make It Lighter
Replace part or all of the mayo with:
- Greek yogurt
- Light mayo
Flavor Variations
Sweet & Tangy
Add diced apples and extra cranberries.
Savory
Add bacon and sharp cheddar.
Fall-Inspired
Add cinnamon and chopped pears.
Extra Crunchy
Include sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.
Meal Prep Tips
- Keep pecans separate until serving for maximum crunch
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation
- Double the batch for lunches throughout the week
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
Varies by ingredients and serving size.
Approximate:
- Calories: 320–420
- Protein: 22–28 g
- Carbs: 10–16 g
- Fat: 20–28 g
