If you are looking for a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic, the Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together tender chicken, the sweet tang of dried cranberries, crunchy celery, and a zesty, creamy dressing that brightens every bite. Whether you need a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or a colorful dish to bring to a gathering, this salad is incredibly versatile and satisfying. The balance of textures and vibrant flavors makes this Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe a standout that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together effortlessly in this Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s the juicy chicken, the sweet cranberries, or the sharpness from the onions and mustard, making this salad truly special.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Use shredded or diced for perfect, tender bites throughout the salad.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Adds a lovely sweet-tart pop of flavor and vibrant color.
- Celery (1/2 cup, chopped): Brings crisp texture and freshness for contrast.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Provides a mild sharpness that brightens the overall taste.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base that ties the salad together smoothly.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang to lift the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/4 cup, optional): For extra crunch and nutty depth.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Infuses a bright herbal note and pretty green flecks.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Adds zesty acidity that balances richness and sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, celery, and finely chopped red onion. These ingredients form the hearty and flavorful foundation of your salad, giving it that delightful blend of savory and sweet.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a smaller bowl until everything is smoothly blended. This creamy, tangy dressing is what makes this Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe stand out with a luscious texture and a zesty punch.
Step 3: Combine Dressing and Chicken Mixture
Pour the dressing over your chicken mixture and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated. This step ensures that every bite delivers a perfectly balanced flavor experience.
Step 4: Add Nuts and Herbs (Optional)
Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans along with fresh parsley if you’re using them. The nuts introduce a wonderful crunch and complexity, while the parsley lends a fresh, herbal brightness that elevates the salad.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if needed to enhance the flavors to your liking. This little tweak makes sure your Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe is just right before serving.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, bringing out the best in every component.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad chilled, as is, or alongside your favorite bread or wraps to make a wonderful meal. The cool, creamy, and slightly sweet profile adapts to many occasions and styles.
How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra chopped nuts on top brightens the appearance and adds a little extra texture. A few whole dried cranberries for color are also a lovely finishing touch that welcomes the eye.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as mixed greens, crusty baguette slices, or even a vibrant fruit salad. The contrast of textures and flavors creates a balanced plate that feels both nourishing and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe in hollowed-out tomatoes or avocado halves for a pretty and clever presentation. You can also spoon it inside pita pockets or crisp lettuce cups for a fun handheld option that’s perfect for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This salad actually benefits from a little extra resting time as the flavors continue to mingle over time.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh mayonnaise and crunchy ingredients like celery and nuts, freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture and flavor. Enjoy it fresh or refrigerated for best results.
Reheating
Since this delicious salad is meant to be served cold, reheating is not suitable. However, allowing it to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving can help release even more flavor if you find it too chilled.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and convenience without sacrificing the texture required for a fantastic Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayonnaise works well, maintaining creaminess while adding a healthy twist.
How do I make this salad dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses mayonnaise rather than sour cream or dairy-based dressings, making it perfect for those avoiding dairy.
Can I add other fruits or veggies?
Yes! Apples, grapes, or even diced cucumber can add delightful new dimensions, providing extra sweetness or crunch depending on your preference.
Is this salad suitable for sandwiches?
Definitely. The Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile and tastes amazing piled high on crusty bread, in wraps, or inside pita pockets for a satisfying meal or snack.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s quick, tasty, and full of personality, the Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe will not disappoint. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser with just the right balance of creaminess, sweetness, and crunch. I encourage you to whip it up soon and enjoy every colorful, flavorful bite—this recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Cranberry Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy celery, and a tangy mayonnaise-Dijon dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or sandwich filling, this salad features optional nuts and fresh parsley for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine main ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, celery, and red onion to build the salad base.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the creamy dressing.
- Add optional ingredients: If desired, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and fresh parsley to add crunch and freshness.
- Season to taste: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed for balance.
- Chill before serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld nicely.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled on its own, with crusty bread, or wrapped inside a tortilla for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- For a healthier option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light dressing.
- Add a handful of chopped apples for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure mayonnaise and mustard brands contain no gluten.
