This healthy cranberry chicken salad with pecans is an easy recipe that is full of flavor! Tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans create this easy chicken salad! A great meal prep recipe for an easy lunch or quick snack.
For another homemade chicken salad, try our high-protein chicken salad, a traditional chicken salad.
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You Will Love This Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe!
- Pecan and cranberry chicken salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken!
- Healthy chicken salad recipe with protein.
- Great meal prep recipe to make ahead!
- Simple ingredients for an easy meal (just like our grilled chicken Caesar wrap.)
- Cranberry pecan chicken salad is a great option for a quick and easy lunch.
- A fun fall spin on classic chicken salad with flavors of cranberries and toasted pecans.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
- Cooked chicken like leftover rotisserie chicken, oven-baked chicken, or canned chicken works great in this cranberry chicken salad. You could also make this cranberry pecan chicken salad recipe with leftover turkey.
- Plain Greek yogurt provides a creamy base. Substitute sour cream if you have it on hand instead of plain nonfat Greek yogurt.
- Sweet dried cranberries and grated apples provide a natural sweetness that compliments the savory flavors.
- Mayonnaise or substitute Dijon mustard for no mayo.
- Chopped celery and parsley add fresh flavor.
- Crunchy toasted pecans add delicious texture and flavor.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Add lemon juice for flavor balance and to prevent the apples from browning.
How to Make This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
- Blend the cottage cheese, mayo, and Greek yogurt in a food processor until smooth.
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix until well incorporated.
How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Over sourdough toast.
- Stuffed into mini croissants.
- With chopped lettuce in a green salad.
- Over apple slices.
- With raw veggies.
- In lettuce cups or lettuce wraps.
Expert Tips
- Follow the recipe card as written for the best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Add chopped red onion or green onions for additional flavor.
- Omit cranberries for a low-carb option.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe calls for dried, sweetened cranberries, not raw cranberries. Although safe to eat according to Healthline, raw cranberries have an intense bitter flavor that is rather intense.
This cranberry pecan chicken salad recipe uses healthier ingredients compared to a traditional chicken salad made with only mayonnaise. This recipe is high in protein and lower in fat than other versions.
To serve it with low carbs, serve this cranberry pecan chicken salad with lettuce wraps or in lettuce cups.
Generally, chicken salad does not freeze well and therefore it is not recommended to freeze it.
Other Healthy Chicken Salad Recipes to Try!
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Healthy Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe with Pecans
Ingredients
- 0.75 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 0.5 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt add more for a creamier texture.
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 1 medium apple grated
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup pecans chopped and toasted if desired
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast pecans in a 250 F oven for 5-10 minutes while you wash and prep the other ingredients.⅓ cup pecans
- Add all of the ingredients into a large bowl and mix until well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.0.75 cups low-fat cottage cheese, 0.5 cups nonfat plain Greek yogurt, ⅓ cup dried cranberries, 2 cups cooked chicken, 1 medium apple, 2 tablespoon mayonnaise, ⅓ cup pecans, ¼ cup parsley, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and pepper
Notes
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