This Cape Cod chicken salad combines shredded chicken with crunchy celery and pecans, tart dried cranberries, and a creamy Greek yogurt–based dressing. Serve it in sandwiches, on crackers, or over greens for a quick, flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love Cape Cod Chicken Salad
This version balances tangy and sweet flavors—cranberries and pecans—with a light, creamy dressing made mostly from Greek yogurt. It’s a healthier take on a classic that still delivers great taste and texture.
Chicken salad is endlessly useful: it makes a satisfying sandwich, a quick wrap, or an easy lunch plate with crackers and veggies. Here are a few reasons this recipe stands out:
- Simple: The recipe comes together quickly and uses common ingredients. Use leftover chicken, shred a rotisserie bird, or make shredded chicken in an air fryer.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a sandwich, in a wrap, stuffed in pita pockets, or served with crackers and raw veggies.
- Protein-packed: A typical serving provides a substantial amount of protein, making it a filling option for lunch or a snack.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make a batch ahead for easy lunches or grab-and-go meals during the week.
Ingredients
This homemade chicken salad uses fresh, simple ingredients that you can adjust to taste. Scroll to the recipe card below for exact amounts and full instructions.
- Shredded chicken breast: Use cooked, shredded chicken; rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut.
- Spices: Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (plus black pepper if desired).
- Dried cranberries: Provide tart-sweet flavor that complements the savory ingredients.
- Celery and sweet onion: Dice small for crunch; green or red onion can be used instead.
- Pecans: Add nutty crunch and healthy fats; other nuts can be substituted.
- Creamy dressing: Made from plain Greek yogurt, a small amount of mayonnaise for classic flavor, honey for sweetness, and fresh lemon juice for brightness.
See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions.
Variations
- Swap the nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or peanuts in place of pecans.
- Use seeds: For a nut-free option, substitute sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Poppy seeds are also a classic addition.
- Change the fruit: Replace dried cranberries with chopped green apples, quartered grapes, or mandarin segments for a fresh twist.
- Add more veggies: Dice bell peppers or cucumbers to increase the vegetable content and crunch.
How To Make Cape Cod Chicken Salad
1. Start the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Mix the dressing: Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Add salad ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced onion, chopped dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the bowl.
4. Combine: Stir until the dressing evenly coats the chicken mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill briefly or serve immediately.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tip
Save time by using a rotisserie chicken and pre-chopped produce when available. Shredded chicken from the store or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly.
How to store
Keep the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving if any liquid separates.
How to serve it
- Sandwich: Pile between two slices of whole-grain bread, in a wrap, or in pita pockets.
- Snack or lunch plate: Serve with crackers, sliced vegetables, and your favorite dip for a balanced plate.
- Lettuce wraps: Spoon into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
More You’ll Love
High Protein Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad
Healthy BLT Chicken Salad
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad (High Protein)
High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad
Spicy Chicken Salad
Jalapeño Chicken Salad
If you made and enjoyed this Cape Cod Chicken Salad, please leave a star rating and a comment below — feedback helps others find this recipe!
Cape Cod Chicken Salad
Jamie N, Registered Dietitian
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Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, diced small
- 1/4 cup sweet onion, diced small
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
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Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced onion, chopped cranberries, and chopped pecans. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
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Serve immediately on bread, in a wrap, or with crackers, or chill for later.
Notes
If you prefer, swap dried cranberries with quartered grapes or chopped green apples for a fresh fruit alternative.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an estimate.