Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad is a delicious combination of tender roasted chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh, crisp vegetables. Tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing with a touch of fresh lemon juice, this salad brings together savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite. It is a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or a quick meal during a busy day.

What makes this chicken salad so special is its wonderful variety of textures and flavors. The juicy chicken provides a hearty base, while the dried cranberries add a pleasant sweetness and the chopped pecans bring a delightful crunch. Celery and red onion add freshness and a little bite, while the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully. The fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor, keeping the salad balanced and delicious without feeling too heavy.

This Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad is easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, family lunches, picnics, or casual gatherings. You can serve it immediately after mixing or chill it in the refrigerator to let the flavors blend together. Enjoy it on its own, spooned over fresh greens, tucked into a sandwich, or served with crackers for a simple and satisfying meal. With its creamy texture, colorful ingredients, and irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick and convenient: Prepare a delicious homemade chicken salad in about one hour, including roasting the chicken.
A perfect flavor combination: Sweet cranberries, savory chicken, crunchy pecans, and tangy lemon create a delicious balance.
Creamy and satisfying: Greek yogurt and mayonnaise combine to make a smooth, flavorful dressing.
Wonderful texture: Tender chicken, crisp celery, red onion, and crunchy pecans make every bite interesting.
Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a salad, in sandwiches, in wraps, or with crackers.
Great for meal prep: Make it ahead for easy lunches throughout the week, storing it properly in the refrigerator.
Simple ingredients: Everyday ingredients come together to create a fresh and flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup plain 0% Greek yogurt (2% also works great)
¼ cup mayonnaise
¾ cup celery, diced
⅓ cup red onion, diced (see note below)
⅓ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup pecans, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about ½ a large lemon)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Roast the chicken: Season the chicken breast generously with salt and black pepper. Place it in a shallow baking dish and roast for approximately 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is completely cooked.
Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and shred it while still warm. You can use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, a hand mixer, or two forks.
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
Add the lemon juice: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the mixture and stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
Serve:Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.