If you’re looking for a quick chicken salad recipe that is fall-inspired, this cranberry chicken salad is one you’ll want to try! Made with tender rotisserie chicken, sweet, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans and a creamy maple flavored high protein dressing. It is full of flavor and texture and is pretty macro friendly! I love recipes like this that come together quickly with simple ingredients but still feel special. It is perfect for an easy lunch, meal prep, or feeding friends!
Why I love this Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this cranberry chicken salad!
- It is a great fall and holiday inspired recipe— the cranberries, pecans and maple syrup are perfect for lunches or with crackers at a holiday potluck.
- Quick: takes about 5 minutes to come together if you have the leftover chicken or rotisserie ready.
- High Protein: about 27 grams of protein per servings. I love to eat this on a mission carb balance tortilla with crunchy lettuce.
Cranberry Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Chicken: I use leftover rotisserie chicken, but you can use any cooked chicken and dice or shred it fine.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: this gives an extra punch of protein. Full fat or low fat work well.
- Hellman’s Mayonnaise: I think Hellman’s is superior to all other Mayo, but use your favorite brand.
- Dried Cranberries: I use ocean spray brand. They have a lot of different varieties to try- any works!
- Chopped Pecans
- Minced Onion: use chopped onion if you prefer.
- Maple Syrup: I love the added sweetness this offers.
- Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder if needed.
- Optional but delicious: Grapes, Celery
How to Make Easy Chicken Salad
- Make the dressing
Combing the Greek Yogurt, Mayonnaise, Minced Onion and Maple Syrup together until well combined in a medium sized bowl.
- Combine Together
In the same bowl, add remaining ingredients! Stir well until everything is coated in dressing.
- Taste Test
Add salt, pepper or onion powder to taste. You can add more Mayo or Yogurt if you prefer a heavier dressing, too.
- Enjoy!
Enjoy immediate or for more flavor, let it rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Making it ahead of time will actually provide more time for the flavor to blend. This will last 3-4 days refrigerated. This will NOT freeze well.
Yes, you can use canned chicken. It actually shreds beautifully for salads. Just be sure to drain the juice and I like to rinse it with water in strainer.
Absolutely. Or leave nuts out entirely if you wish. This recipe is very versatile.
You can, however I think the Mayo gives it that really good flavor. When I have made it with just Greek Yogurt I felt it tasted a little bit bland.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Our 5 minute 4 ingredient Greek Yogurt Taco dip or Ranch Party Mix are great holiday side and snack s
- Egg Roll in a Bowl with Ground Turkey is another high protein lunch idea!
- Healthy Apple Muffins are a fall inspired snack
- Peach Crockpot Holiday Meatballs
- Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe – you could easily use dried cranberries in this recipe too.
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I hope you enjoy this holiday version of Chicken Salad!- Bobbi Jo
Cranberry Chicken Salad with Pecans
Equipment
- 1 medium bowl
- measuring utensils
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken I use rotisserie chicken
- 2 tbsp plain greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp Hellmans Mayonaiise or your favorite brand
- 1 tsp minced onion
- 3 tbsp dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans
- 1 stalk celery chopped fine this is optional
- 1/4 cup grapes, diced optional
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- salt, pepper, onion powder to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced onion and maple syrup until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, crushed pecans and optional celery and grapes.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Season with salt, pepper or onion powder to taste if needed.
- Enjoy! You can eat immediately on crackers, as a sandwich or on crunchy lettuce. For even better flavor, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the seasons blend.
- This recipe is very forgiving- add more pecans, less cranberries, etc to your liking!!
Notes
Nutrition
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This is such a quick, tasty and protein packed lunch idea!