Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad w/ Greek Yogurt
Cranberry pecan chicken salad is sweet, tangy, creamy, and loaded with protein! Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for meal prep and is satisfyingly creamy with lots of crunch.
This Greek yogurt chicken salad is a better-for-you twist on a chicken salad recipe I grew up eating at tennis matches. All the parents used to chip in to bring us food on the long days, and this was always requested.
Back then, it was made with mayonnaise. However, I’ve lightened it up, using Greek yogurt instead. Failproof to prepare with zero cooking required, it’s my go-to meal prep option on hot days but is so good we make it all year long. The whole family loves it, and no one even notices I switched up the original recipe.
🍗 Recipe Ingredients and Notes
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete ingredients and instructions!
- Chicken – We use leftover cooked chicken breasts seasoned with just salt and pepper. However, drained canned chicken and rotisserie chicken work well, too. They’re a great way to save even more time!
- Dried Cranberries – Originally, this recipe called for sweetened cranberries, but I always look for naturally sweetened varieties. Either taste great.
- Pecans – For lots of crunch. You can substitute walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Celery – This adds extra crunch and a bit of fiber.
- Plain Greek Yogurt – This is my secret to creating a higher protein recipe while maintaining the creamy consistency and tangy taste. Full-fat yogurt will provide the richest flavor, but any percentage will work.
🥪 How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
- Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Toss to combine and coat all the ingredients.
- That’s it. Now, getcha some of that!
🍎 Possible Variations
- Chicken – Swap the shredded chicken with canned tuna or salmon. Or, use chickpeas for a plant-based option.
- Cranberries – Not a fan of cranberries? Use raisins or apples instead.
- Veggies – Add extra nutrients with vegetables like red onion, cucumber, or shredded carrots.
- Greek Yogurt – Swap the yogurt or use half and half mayonnaise or blended cottage cheese.
- Fresh Herbs – Fresh dill or parsley add a bright, refreshing taste.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Equipment
- 1 Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 12 ounces shredded chicken breast
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecans chopped
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt full fat
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.12 ounces shredded chicken breast, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup pecans, 1/2 cup celery, 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Toss to combine and coat all the ingredients.
- That’s it. Now, getcha some of that!
Notes
Nutrition
⁇ Common Questions
This recipe is great as a dip with crackers, pita bread, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks. However, we typically serve it over greens, in a wrap, or as a sandwich. It’s especially delicious with Hawaiian sweet rolls!
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Give the salad a quick stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
🍽️ More Meal Prep Recipes
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Baked Meal Prep Chicken Breast
- Beef Taco Meat
- Berry Oatmeal Bake with Protein Powder
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