Cranberry chicken salad is a festive, flavorful dish that makes a fantastic light meal. With its balance of sweet cranberries, savory chicken, and crunchy textures, it’s no wonder this salad is a crowd-pleaser. If you’ve never made cranberry chicken salad before, don’t worry – it’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch at home! In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make tasty cranberry chicken salad.
Overview of Cranberry Chicken Salad
Cranberry chicken salad is a chilled chicken salad flavored with dried cranberries commonly served on bread lettuce, or crackers as a sandwich or snack. It combines the nutty tartness of cranberries with savory shredded chicken, mayonnaise or yogurt, celery, nuts like pecans or almonds, and aromatics like onion, parsley, or dill. The end result is a flavorful mix of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy ingredients.
Some key components that make this salad special include:
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Dried cranberries – These add both texture and bursts of sweet-tart flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken. You can use regular sweetened dried cranberries or unsweetened for less sugar. Rehydrating them in water for a few minutes before mixing softens them up.
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Shredded chicken – Rotisserie, canned, or cooked chicken breast provides the protein. Leftover chicken works great too. Chilling it firms it up which helps the texture.
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Creamy binder – Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt both add moisture, richness, and a cooling contrast. Greek yogurt also adds protein and cuts calories.
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Crunchy veggies – Celery and sometimes onions provide crisp freshness and crunch. Other options include apple, fennel, or water chestnuts.
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Toasted nuts – Chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts add nutty flavor and crunchy contrast. Toasting them enhances their flavor.
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Seasonings – Salt, pepper, fresh herbs, mustard, lime juice, or spices like curry powder customize the flavor.
Once you understand the basics components, it’s easy to make cranberry chicken salad your own with simple add-ins and seasonings. Now let’s get cooking!
Ingredients Needed
Cranberry chicken salad comes together with a handful of simple ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken, chilled
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts like pecans or almonds
- 1/4 cup diced onion or scallions (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley or dill (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
The ingredient amounts can be adjusted to taste, depending on how nutty, creamy, or sweet you like your salad. Using both Greek yogurt and mayo makes a nice tangy base. Toasting the nuts in a skillet for 2-3 minutes enhances their crunch and flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for fail-proof cranberry chicken salad:
1. Cook the chicken
If starting with raw chicken breasts, poach or bake them until fully cooked, 10-15 minutes. Let cool completely, then shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chilling it firms it up which helps later.
2. Prep the ingredients
While the chicken cools, prep your other ingredients – dice the celery, toast the nuts, drain and optionally rehydrate the cranberries, mince parsley or scallions, etc.
3. Make the dressing
In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, mayo, mustard, and salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Combine the salad
Add the chilled chicken, cranberries, celery, nuts, and any herbs or onion to the dressing. Gently stir together until evenly combined.
5. Chill before serving
Let the finished salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes up to overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together. Add any additional seasonings and enjoy!
And that’s it! With these simple steps, you’ll have a fresh, flavorful cranberry chicken salad in under 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry chicken salad is versatile – serve it in a sandwich or wrap, on top of greens, alongside crackers, stuffed in a hollowed apple or tomato, or on top of a fresh croissant. Some fun serving ideas include:
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Classic sandwich on whole grain bread or croissant
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Lettuce wraps or cups for low-carb
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Stuffed in a hollowed out apple or tomato
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On top of a fresh salad or spinach
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Alongside whole grain crackers or bread as an app
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Inside an avocado half for a twist
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On a grain bowl with quinoa or farro
Storage Tips
Properly stored, cranberry chicken salad will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Here are some storage tips:
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Store in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
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For longer storage, freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
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Add nuts just before serving to preserve their crunch.
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May need to stir in a little mayo or yogurt after thawing if dry.
Easy Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, have fun with these easy variations:
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Use dried cherries, blueberries, or mango instead of cranberries
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Add shredded coconut, sesame seeds, or diced water chestnuts for different textures
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Use walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans or almonds
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Flavor with lime juice, orange zest, curry powder, or fresh herbs
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Make it Southwest style with corn, black beans, cilantro, and lime
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Give it an Asian twist with ginger, sesame oil, snow peas, and scallions
The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Let’s go over some frequently asked questions:
How long does it last in the fridge?
Properly stored, it will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use light mayo instead?
Yes, light mayo works well to cut down on calories and fat. Greek yogurt also lightens it up.
Can I use canned chicken?
Absolutely – just drain and chill the canned chicken before using.
What’s the best bread for cranberry chicken salad sandwiches?
We like whole grain or sourdough breads. Croissants and brioche also pair nicely.
Should I use sweetened or unsweetened cranberries?
That depends on your tastes – sweetened dried cranberries are traditional but you can use unsweetened for a less sugary salad.
Tips for the Best Flavor
Here are a few tips to help your cranberry chicken salad pack the most flavor:
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Chill the chicken before mixing for optimal texture
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Toast the nuts to bring out their flavor
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Rehydrate dried cranberries in warm water for 5 minutes first
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Mix gently to keep the chicken shreds intact
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Taste and season thoughtfully as you mix
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Let sit for 30 mins for the flavors to meld before serving
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices
This dish has quickly become my go-to lunch option, offering a perfect blend of sweetness, crunchiness, and high protein content. Here’s why I’ve fallen in love with it and how you can make it too.
- High Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Gluten-free: Apple slices serve as a low-calorie, gluten-free alternative to bread, making it perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs or with gluten sensitivities.
- Great taste and texture! The sweetness of the apples complements the savory chicken salad, while the cranberries add a tartness that elevates the overall flavor profile. The crunch of the apple slices against the creamy chicken salad makes for a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps me coming back for more.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Lean protein source, shredded or diced. You can use a rotisserie chicken.
- Celery: Adds crisp texture and a subtle flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy binding agent that balances flavors; can substitute with Greek yogurt.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture without needed more mayonnaise, keeping it light.
- Dried Cranberries: For tart sweetness and a burst of flavor
- Red Onion: Provides a contrast to the dish’s sweet and savory elements.
- Sweet Red Apples: A sweet crunchy base, complementing the chicken salad’s flavors.
Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices
If you love my chicken salad you’re going to love this healthy Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices! It’s a refreshing take on lunch that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Made with chicken breast from a roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken, craisins, red onion, celery, a little mayo and just enough chicken broth to make it juicy. Its combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy elements makes it a balanced and satisfying option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.