Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Embrace the delicious fusion of flavors with a classic cranberry chicken salad recipe. This refreshing salad combines tender chicken with the delightful chewiness of sweet-tart cranberries, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend lunches. Get ready to create a versatile dish that everyone will love, suitable for any occasion, from simple meals to elegant gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Chicken Salad

This isn’t just any chicken salad; it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Our cranberry chicken salad recipe simplifies your meal planning with its effortless execution and irresistible taste. Discover why this sweet and savory delight earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

• Quick 15-Minute Prep: You can have this delectable salad ready in minutes, perfect for when time is short.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: Enjoy the ideal blend of sweet cranberries, savory chicken, and a creamy, tangy dressing.
• Versatile Meal Component: Serve it in various ways, from sandwiches to lettuce wraps, making mealtime exciting.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week for effortless lunches or quick dinners.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Even picky eaters will enjoy the harmonious textures and delightful taste of this salad.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this flavorful cranberry chicken salad recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of taste and texture.

• 4 cups cooked chicken breast: Diced or shredded chicken for tender bites.
• 1 stalk celery: Thinly sliced to add a refreshing crunch.
• 1 – 2 green onions: Chopped for a mild, savory onion flavor.
• ¾ cup sweetened dried cranberries: The star for that signature sweet and tart burst. A critical review of scientific research highlights the potential health benefits of incorporating cranberries into one’s diet.
• ½ cup pine nuts: Toasted for an enhanced nutty depth (optional, but highly recommended).
• ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds all the flavors together.
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder: Or 1 – 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard for a subtle tang.
• ½ teaspoon coarse salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for a hint of warmth.

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility when making this delicious cranberry chicken salad recipe. Adapt the ingredients to suit your pantry or dietary preferences.

• Chicken: Use freshly baked chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even quality canned chicken for ultimate convenience. Ensure it’s cold before mixing.
• Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This adds a tangy twist.
• Nuts: If pine nuts are unavailable, try toasted walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds for a different nutty crunch.
• Cranberries: Use regular sweetened dried cranberries, or opt for reduced-sugar varieties if preferred.
• Additions: Fresh herbs like chopped dill, parsley, or chives elevate the flavor profile beautifully. Consider a touch of lemon zest for brightness.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy gadgets to whip up this amazing cranberry chicken salad recipe. Simple kitchen tools are all you need for preparation and mixing.

• Large mixing bowl: For easy combining of all ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Essential for dicing chicken and chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for all your prep work.
• Spatula or spoon: Perfect for mixing everything thoroughly.
• Small skillet: If you choose to toast your pine nuts for extra flavor.

Instructions

Creating this delightful cranberry chicken salad recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly mixed and flavorful salad. Each stage ensures your salad comes together beautifully with minimal effort.

First, prep the salad ingredients. Dice your cooked chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces, or shred it into tender strands. Next, thinly slice the celery stalk to achieve a pleasant crunch in every bite. Finely chop the green onions, using both the white and green parts for the best flavor. If using pine nuts, toast them in a dry small skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow the toasted pine nuts to cool completely before adding them to the salad. This crucial step enhances their nutty flavor significantly.

Next, mix the chicken salad. In your large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dry mustard powder (or Dijon mustard), coarse salt, and black pepper. Stir these wet ingredients together until they are well blended and form a smooth, creamy dressing. This base ensures even distribution of flavor.

Now, add the dry ingredients to the bowl. Gently fold in the prepared chopped chicken, sliced celery, chopped green onions, sweetened dried cranberries, and the cooled toasted pine nuts. Use your spatula or spoon to carefully mix everything together. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the chicken tough.

Finally, chill before serving. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cranberry chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more cohesive and delicious salad. This step also ensures the salad is wonderfully refreshing when enjoyed. Just before serving, give it a quick stir and taste. If needed, adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper to your preference, ensuring every bite is perfect.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making the best cranberry chicken salad recipe is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips ensure a perfect texture and maximum flavor every time you prepare this delightful dish.

• Chill for best flavor: Always allow at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld. This greatly enhances the taste of your chicken salad.
• Use cold chicken for texture: Ensure your chicken is completely cold before mixing. Warm chicken can alter the salad’s texture and consistency.
• Avoid overmixing: Gently fold ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can shred the chicken too finely and make the salad mushy.
• Adjust mayo for desired consistency: Add mayonnaise gradually until you reach your preferred creaminess. Some like it drier, others very creamy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Always taste your salad before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Flavors can change after chilling.
• Prevent sogginess: Make sure your chicken is dry before chopping or shredding. Excess moisture can make your cranberry chicken salad watery.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile cranberry chicken salad recipe shines in many forms and stores well for future enjoyment. Its adaptability makes it a perfect choice for various meal options throughout the week.

Serve this delectable salad in a variety of ways. It’s fantastic piled high on crusty bread for a classic sandwich, or tucked into soft lettuce cups for a lighter, gluten-free option. Enjoy it with your favorite crackers for a quick snack, or simply on its own as a refreshing, protein-packed meal.

For storage, transfer your prepared cranberry chicken salad to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for 3-4 days. The USDA provides essential advice for maintaining the safety of perishable foods like chicken salad, emphasizing the importance of keeping cold salads chilled. Always ensure it’s kept cold to maintain freshness and safety. Avoid freezing this salad; the mayonnaise will separate upon thawing, resulting in an undesirable texture.

Variations

Get creative with your cranberry chicken salad recipe by trying these delicious twists.

• Add apples or grapes: Diced apples or halved red grapes provide extra sweetness and a crisp texture.
• Include curry powder for spice: A teaspoon of curry powder adds a warm, aromatic kick to the dressing.
• Try different nuts or seeds: Swap pine nuts for toasted pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for varied crunch.
• Mix in fresh dill or parsley: These herbs add a bright, fresh note that complements the chicken and cranberries beautifully.

Nutrition

Our cranberry chicken salad recipe offers a satisfying and nutritious meal. It’s a great source of lean protein, contributing to muscle maintenance and satiety. You also get healthy fats from the mayonnaise and pine nuts, which are important for energy. The dried cranberries provide dietary fiber and antioxidants. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used in your delicious chicken salad.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and serving size. Actual values may vary.

FAQ

Got questions about this easy cranberry chicken salad recipe? We have answers to help you perfect this delightful dish.

• Can I use canned chicken? Absolutely! Canned chicken is a convenient shortcut. Just drain it well before mixing for the best texture.
• How long does it last? This salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Enjoy it throughout the week!
• Can I make it ahead? Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Make it a day in advance, and the flavors will meld beautifully by serving time.
• What kind of cranberries are best? Sweetened dried cranberries work wonderfully. You can use regular or reduced-sugar varieties based on your preference.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this cranberry chicken salad recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just ensure any additions or serving options are also gluten-free.
• Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, you can use a dairy-free mayonnaise substitute. The rest of the ingredients are typically dairy-free.

Conclusion

This cranberry chicken salad recipe is truly a simple yet sophisticated dish, proving that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, bursting with sweet and savory flavors, and perfectly versatile for any meal or occasion. Whether you’re packing it for lunch, serving it at a gathering, or enjoying a quick dinner, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe soon and discover your favorite way to enjoy its fresh, vibrant taste!

Cranberry Chicken Salad

A creamy, sweet-and-savory chicken salad featuring tender chicken, tart cranberries, toasted nuts, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or a quick protein-packed meal.

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Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 1–2 green onions, chopped
• ¾ cup sweetened dried cranberries
• ½ cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼–½ teaspoon dry mustard powder (or 1–2 tsp Dijon mustard)
• ½ teaspoon coarse salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting Board
• Spatula or spoon For mixing
• Small skillet For toasting pine nuts

Method

 

1. Dice or shred the cooked chicken. Thinly slice celery, chop green onions, and toast pine nuts in a skillet until golden and fragrant. Let nuts cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, mustard powder (or Dijon), salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add the chicken, celery, green onions, cranberries, and cooled pine nuts to the bowl. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Stir and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

You can use canned, rotisserie, or baked chicken — just ensure it's cold. Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Swap pine nuts for pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds. Add fresh dill, parsley, or lemon zest for extra brightness.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com