Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad 🥗🍗✨

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Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory — this chicken salad is packed with tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and chewy cranberries for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or light lunches.

Ingredients 🧂

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecans, lightly toasted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Additions

  • Chopped green onions
  • Apple pieces
  • Grapes
  • Fresh parsley
  • Walnuts or almonds instead of pecans

Instructions 👨‍🍳

Step 1 – Toast the Pecans

Place pecans in a dry pan over medium heat.

Toast lightly for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and crunchy.

Let cool.

Step 2 – Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl mix:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3 – Combine Everything

Add:

  • Chicken
  • Cranberries
  • Pecans
  • Celery

Mix gently until everything is coated evenly.

Step 4 – Chill ✨

Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This chicken salad is delicious served:

  • On toasted bread or croissants
  • In lettuce cups
  • Over mixed greens
  • With crackers or pita bread
  • As a light side dish with soup

Tips ❤️

  • Toasting nuts brings out richer flavor.
  • Pecans give a sweet buttery crunch, but walnuts or almonds also work well.
  • Add apples or grapes for extra freshness and sweetness.

😋 Creamy, crunchy, fresh, and packed with delicious flavor in every bite.

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