This Keto Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delicious combination of tender chicken, crunchy pecans, creamy dressing, and sweet-tart cranberries. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures, making it ideal for meal prep, quick lunches, light dinners, or elegant brunches. While traditional chicken salad often contains sugary dried fruit, this keto-friendly version uses reduced-sugar or keto-friendly cranberries to keep the carbohydrate count low without sacrificing flavor.

Rich in protein and healthy fats, this satisfying salad can be served in lettuce wraps, stuffed into avocados, spooned over greens, or enjoyed straight from the bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-carb and keto-friendly
• High in protein and healthy fats
• Ready in minutes
• Great for meal prep
• Perfect for lunches and picnics
• Naturally gluten-free
• Sweet, savory, and crunchy in every bite

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
• Total Time: 15–45 minutes

Yield

Serves 4–6

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• ⅓ cup keto-friendly dried cranberries
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely minced

For the Creamy Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup crumbled bacon
• ¼ cup diced cucumber
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cook and cool the chicken completely before making the salad.

You can use:

• Grilled chicken breast
• Roasted chicken
• Rotisserie chicken
• Poached chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes or shred it with two forks.

Place it into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans.

Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Remove from heat and allow them to cool completely.

Toasting enhances their natural nuttiness and adds extra crunch.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Dice the celery into small pieces.

Thinly slice the green onions.

Finely mince the red onion.

Add all vegetables to the bowl with the chicken.

Step 4: Add the Cranberries and Pecans

Stir in:

• Chopped pecans
• Keto-friendly dried cranberries

These ingredients provide the signature sweet-and-crunchy texture that makes this chicken salad so irresistible.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl combine:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.

Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Be careful not to overmix.

The salad should remain light and chunky.

Step 7: Chill for Best Flavor

Although the salad can be served immediately, chilling it for 30 minutes allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.