Dinner

Creamy Chicken Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, and Honey Recipe

Byluca Carter January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

Introduction

This quick and flavorful chicken salad is perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack. With a delightful mix of sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing, it’s easy to whip up in just 20 minutes. Serve it on croissants or alongside fresh fruit and crackers for a complete meal.

The image shows three croissant sandwiches placed close to each other on a wooden board. Each croissant is golden brown and flaky, split in half horizontally. On the bottom half of each croissant, there is a layer of bright green leafy lettuce with a ruffled texture. Above the lettuce, there is a creamy chicken salad mixed with small dark nuts and finely chopped celery, creating a chunky texture with white, brown, and green colors. Each sandwich is held together on top by a small skewer with a twisted loop at the top. The background has a white marbled texture with some blurred grapes and a white bowl filled with light yellow chips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups rotisserie chicken (diced)
1/2 cup pecans (coarsely chopped)

1/3 cup dried cranberries
2 stalks celery (thinly sliced, about 1/2 cup)

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream (light works well)

1 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds

1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Croissants or other sandwich rolls (optional)

Thinly sliced apples, celery sticks, and crackers (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Toast the pecans by placing them in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool, then chop coarsely.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the diced rotisserie chicken, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and sliced celery.

Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and lemon juice until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Add salt and pepper, starting with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve the chicken salad on croissants with lettuce or alongside thinly sliced apples, celery sticks, and your favorite crackers. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, try adding chopped celery seeds or substituting walnuts for pecans.
If you prefer a lighter version, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
To make it gluten-free, serve the salad on lettuce wraps or gluten-free bread.

Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a bright flavor boost.

Storage

Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. It’s best enjoyed chilled and can be served on bread or with fresh veggies. Avoid freezing, as the dressing may separate.

How to Serve

The image shows three croissant sandwiches on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each croissant is golden brown and flaky, sliced in half horizontally to hold the fillings. The first layer inside is bright green leafy lettuce, fresh and curly. On top of the lettuce is a thick layer of creamy chicken salad mixed with visible bits of celery, red grapes, and chopped nuts, creating a mix of white, green, red, and brown colors and a chunky texture. Each sandwich is held together with a decorative toothpick with a twisted top. In the background, a white bowl holds yellow potato chips, and some red grapes are scattered around, all set against a soft, light gray background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken other than rotisserie?

Yes, any cooked chicken breast or thigh, diced or shredded, works well in this salad.

Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add crunchy ingredients like pecans and celery right before serving to maintain their texture.