If you’re looking for a creamy chicken salad recipe with the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this Craisin Chicken Salad is about to become your new favorite. Made with tender shredded chicken, sweet dried cranberries, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and a creamy avocado mayo dressing, this Southern-style chicken salad is perfect for lunch, brunch, or meal prep.
Whether you serve it on buttery croissants, with crackers, or over a bed of greens, this cranberry pecan chicken salad is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Craisin Chicken Salad
- Sweet and savory flavor combination
- Creamy but lightened up with Greek yogurt
- Perfect for meal prep lunches
- Great for baby showers, brunch, or potlucks
- Delicious on croissants, sandwiches, or lettuce wraps
- Ready in minutes with cooked chicken
Ingredients for Craisin Chicken Salad
The Protein Base
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
Cooked, shredded chicken breast creates the perfect tender base for this creamy chicken salad recipe. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here for convenience and flavor.
The Crunch & Freshness
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup diced celery
½ cup seedless grapes, halved
½ cup chopped pecans
The red onion and celery add crisp texture, while juicy grapes bring natural sweetness. Chopped pecans add that classic Southern crunch that makes this chicken salad unforgettable.
The Sweet Element
½ cup dried craisins
Dried cranberries give this chicken salad its signature sweet-tart flavor, balancing the savory dressing and chicken.
The Creamy Dressing
½ cup Primal Kitchen avocado mayonnaise
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cumin
The combination of avocado mayo and Greek yogurt keeps this cranberry pecan chicken salad creamy while adding a lighter, tangy finish. Garlic powder and cumin enhance the savory flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
Equipment We Love for This Recipe
Craisin Chicken Salad: Creamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Grapes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup seedless grapes halved
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup dried craisins
- ½ cup Primal Kitchen avocado mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
Instructions
- add everything to a large mixing bowl and combine
- transfer to a serving bowl
- serve with crackers or on a croissant
How to Make Craisin Chicken Salad
Start by adding shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl. Finely dice the red onion and celery to ensure even distribution throughout the salad. Halve the grapes and chop the pecans for the perfect bite-sized texture.
Add the dried cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast. In the same bowl, combine avocado mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt to create a creamy but balanced dressing. Season with garlic powder, cumin, and black pepper.
Mix until everything is evenly coated. This easy cranberry pecan chicken salad can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What to Serve with Craisin Chicken Salad
This creamy chicken salad pairs beautifully with:
- Slow Cooker Focaccia Bread
- Cheesy French Bread
- The Best Creamy Marry Me Chicken
- Bruschetta
- Your favorite crackers
It’s perfect for brunch spreads, bridal showers, or light summer lunches.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Not recommended, as mayonnaise-based dressings do not freeze well.
Make Ahead Tip:
Chill for 30–60 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
Can I substitute the avocado mayo?
Yes. Regular mayonnaise can be used in equal amounts.
Can I omit the grapes?
Yes, but the grapes add natural sweetness and balance.
Is this chicken salad healthy?
Using Greek yogurt and avocado mayo makes this a lighter, protein-rich option.
Final Thoughts
Craisin Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. With tender shredded chicken, sweet cranberries, juicy grapes, and crunchy pecans, this Southern-style chicken salad is simple, flavorful, and perfect for everything from weekday lunches to special gatherings.
If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.
Enjoy!
McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective
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