Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs (680 g) Cooked Chicken Breast or Thighs, fully cooled and shredded/diced
  • 1 cup (150 g) Dried Cranberries (Craisons)
  • ½ cup (60 g) Pecans or Walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 stalks Celery, finely diced (approx. 50 g)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Mayonnaise (Good quality, full-fat recommended)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon Mustard
  • ½ tsp (3 g) Fine Sea Salt
  • ¼ tsp (1 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Pinch Granulated Sugar (Optional)

Instructions:

  1. Toast the Nuts: Place chopped pecans in a dry, small skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Immediately transfer to a plate to cool completely. Do not skip this step—toasting brings out the oils and enhances crunch.
  2. Shred the Chicken: Ensure the cooked chicken is thoroughly chilled. Shred it by hand or use two forks, aiming for roughly shredded pieces rather than fine dice for better texture. Place the chicken in the large mixing bowl.
  3. Prepare Mix-ins: Add the dried cranberries and the finely diced celery to the shredded chicken. Add the cooled toasted pecans.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well-combined.
  5. Season the Dressing: Whisk in the salt, pepper, and the optional pinch of sugar. Taste the dressing—it should be balanced, tangy, and savory.
  6. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated and everything is distributed. Avoid overmixing, which can break down the chicken.
  7. Adjust Consistency (If Needed): If the salad seems too thick, add a tiny splash (1-2 teaspoons) of cold water or additional lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency.
  8. Chill (Crucial Step): Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally 2 hours. This time allows the flavors to meld and the cranberries to slightly soften, integrating them into the dressing.
  9. Final Check: Just before serving, give the salad a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning one last time, adding a touch more salt or lemon juice if needed.