Cranberry Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy. The chicken adds protein and heartiness, while the cranberries provide a burst of sweetness, and the nuts give it a satisfying crunch. The creamy dressing ties everything together, creating a delightful and balanced dish. It’s versatile too — you can enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or on top of a bed of greens. This salad is ideal for meal prep, a light dinner, or as a side dish for a larger meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (preferably rotisserie chicken)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

• 1/4 cup celery, diced

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 cups mixed greens (optional, for serving)

• 1/4 cup feta cheese or goat cheese (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs.

2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cranberries, chopped nuts, celery, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

4. Serve: If serving on a bed of greens, arrange the mixed greens on plates and top with the cranberry chicken salad. Garnish with crumbled feta or goat cheese, if desired. You can also serve this salad as a wrap, in a sandwich, or in lettuce cups for a lighter option.

5. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Total time: 15 minutes

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 5 minutes (if cooking chicken)

Variations

• Add more veggies: Add diced apples, grapes, or cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.

• Make it dairy-free: Skip the cheese and use dairy-free yogurt or mayo for a completely dairy-free option.

• Add more protein: Include hard-boiled eggs or add some bacon bits for extra protein and flavor.

• Use different nuts: You can substitute pecans or walnuts with almonds, pistachios, or cashews for a different twist.

• Sweeten it up: If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the honey or add a little maple syrup to the dressing.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Cranberry Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: It’s best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If the salad has been refrigerated for a while and feels dry, add a little more dressing before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are much tartier than dried cranberries. If you want to use fresh ones, you might want to cook them down with a little sugar or honey to soften their tartness before adding them to the salad.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! You can easily swap the chicken for turkey, tofu, or even shrimp, depending on your preference.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to keep the salad from getting soggy.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise and adds extra protein. It will make the salad a bit tangier and lighter.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs well with crusty bread, a side of fruit, or a bowl of soup for a light yet filling meal.

Can I make this salad spicy?

If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based yogurt or mayonnaise, and swap the chicken for chickpeas or another plant-based protein.

How can I add more flavor to this salad?

To add more flavor, you can toss in some herbs like cilantro, parsley, or even a touch of garlic powder for an extra punch.

Can I freeze this salad?

It’s best to eat this salad fresh, but you can freeze the chicken (before mixing it with the dressing and veggies) if you’re using cooked chicken. When you’re ready to use it, defrost and mix the rest of the ingredients.

What else can I do with leftovers?

Leftover Cranberry Chicken Salad can be used in a sandwich or wrap, or even stuffed into pita pockets for a quick and delicious lunch.

Conclusion

Cranberry Chicken Salad is a delightful, healthy, and versatile dish that combines fresh, savory, and sweet flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a light lunch, and can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you serve it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich, this salad is sure to become a go-to favorite for its ease, flavor, and versatility.