Big flavor, low effort, and it gets even better as it sits in the fridge. This cranberry pecan chicken salad makes the perfect healthy and high-protein lunch for meal prep. You’ll also love my ranch chicken salad and Southwest chicken salad.

Cranberry pecan chicken salad inside a sandwich with lettuce.

The Perfect High-Protein Meal Prep

As a Registered Dietitian, chicken salad is one of my favorite healthy lunches because it’s high-protein, easy to prep, and it gets even more flavorful as it sits in the fridge. This cranberry pecan chicken salad is my latest fall-inspired flavor! Here’s why you’ll love it:

Lunch made easy. With just 20-minutes of prep at the start of the week, you’ll have a filling and effortless lunch ready each day. Just pull some out of the fridge, give it a stir, and serve!
High-protein. You’ll get 36 grams of protein in every serving to keep you full.
Perfect for meal prep. Chicken salad is a great prep-ahead option because it’s just as good on day four as it is when it’s fresh. If you want a meal prep lunch that’s even more delicious as leftovers, this is it.

Want more healthy salad recipes? Try my Italian grinder bean salad, cottage cheese egg salad, no-chop quinoa edamame salad, or Greek bean salad.

Key Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for cranberry pecan chicken salad displayed in small bowls on a marble counter top.

Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: I like a blend of both in this chicken salad because it keeps the chicken salad light and high protein, but still rich and creamy. You can use all mayo or all Greek yogurt if preferred.
Rotisserie chicken: I’d recommend using rotisserie chicken instead of homemade shredded chicken because it’s well-seasoned and super easy.
Red onion: Feel free to substitute green onion for a more mild flavor.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredient list and detailed recipe.

How To Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Ingredients for cranberry chicken salad in a large white mixing bowl.

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.

cranberry chicken salad in a large serving bowl with seeded crackers.

Step 2: Mix and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve

There are so many ways to serve this healthy and satisfying chicken salad! Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Pair with crackers and veggies: Use them to scoop a chicken salad for a quick lunch or snack. My favorite scoopers are tortilla chips, Triscuits, or cucumber slices.
Scoop on top of salad: Use the chicken salad as a flavorful topper with your favorite greens. Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil for extra moisture and flavor.
Serve with bread: Pack inside a sandwich, spread on open-faced toast, or rolled in a tortilla and slice into pinwheels.

Top Tips For Perfect Chicken Salad

Chop everything small. Chop your chicken and vegetables nice and small for a creamier chicken salad that has maximum flavor in every bite.
Chill before serving. If possible, cover and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours before serving. The longer this sits in the fridge, the better.

Cranberry pecan chicken salad on open-faced bread on a wooden cutting board.

More Healthy Chicken Salads

Need more healthy chicken salad recipes? Here are my favorites:

Explore more filling salad recipes or healthy chicken recipes.

If you tried this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, please leave a ⭐️ star-rating below and share a photo on Instagram!