Looking for a quick, flavor-packed meal that’s equally perfect for lunch, brunch, or meal prep? This Chicken Salad with Cranberries recipe brings the perfect harmony of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy — all in one bowl.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, prepping weekday lunches, or entertaining guests, this dish offers an unbeatable balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
⭐ Why This Chicken Salad Stands Out
Unlike basic chicken salad recipes, this version elevates every bite with:
- Tender, juicy chicken
- Sweet-tart cranberries
- Toasted nuts for crunch
- Creamy, tangy dressing with lemon & Dijon
- Fresh herbs for brightness
💡 Bonus: It’s incredibly customizable, make-ahead friendly, and meal-prep approved.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Here’s everything you need for this creamy cranberry chicken salad:
🐔 Chicken
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1.5 lbs raw)
- Rotisserie chicken, poached chicken breasts, or leftover grilled chicken
🍒 Sweet & Tart Add-Ins
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- Optional: Soak in warm water for 5 minutes for extra plumpness
🥬 Crunchy Elements
- ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
🌿 Flavor Boosters
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
🥣 Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado or olive oil-based)
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for best texture)
✅ Pro Tip: Toast your nuts in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes to bring out their full flavor.
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute Ideas | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Greek yogurt, avocado, vegan mayo | Lighten or adapt for dietary needs |
| Cranberries | Dried cherries, pomegranate arils | Adjust sweetness & seasonality |
| Nuts | Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds | Nut-free alternatives available |
| Chicken | Turkey, tofu, chickpeas | Plant-based or leftover options |
| Celery | Apple, fennel, cucumber | Adds fresh crunch in new ways |
🧑🍳 How to Make Chicken Salad with Cranberries (Step-by-Step)
✅ Step 1: Cook or Prep the Chicken
Use any of the following:
- Rotisserie Chicken: Shred and dice for a mix of textures.
- Poached Chicken: Simmer chicken breasts in water or broth with salt, garlic, and bay leaf. Let cool, then shred.
- Leftover Chicken: Grilled or roasted adds extra flavor depth.
✅ Step 2: Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat a skillet over medium.
- Add chopped nuts in a single layer.
- Stir frequently for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
- Let cool completely before adding.
🧠 Why toast? Enhances nutty richness and improves texture.
✅ Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
🎯 Adjust to taste: Add more lemon for brightness, or a touch of honey if you want sweetness.
✅ Step 4: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, mix:
- Chicken
- Cranberries
- Celery
- Onion
- Nuts
- Dressing
Gently fold to coat all ingredients without breaking the chicken pieces.
✅ Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
🥪 Creative Serving Ideas
🥐 Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Toasted sourdough, croissants, or whole grain bread
- Add lettuce, tomato, avocado, or bacon
🥬 Lettuce Wraps (Low-Carb)
- Butter lettuce, romaine, or endive
- Garnish with sliced radishes or microgreens
🥗 Salad Bowl
- Serve over arugula, spinach, or mixed greens
- Top with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a balsamic drizzle
🍴 Party-Style Appetizer
- Serve in mini phyllo cups, with crackers, or on cucumber rounds
- Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a fancy look
💡 Flavor Variations & Dietary Swaps
🌱 Lighter Versions
- Use all Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version
- Avocado mash + yogurt for a dairy-free creamy twist
🌍 Flavor Twists
- Curry Style: Add 1 tsp curry powder + golden raisins
- Mediterranean: Add crumbled feta, olives, oregano
- Apple-Walnut: Add diced apples + pinch of cinnamon
🚫 Dietary Adaptations
- Keto: Use fewer cranberries, more nuts
- Paleo: Use avocado oil mayo, skip yogurt and honey
- Vegan: Swap chicken for chickpeas + vegan mayo
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Meal Prep: Keep dressing separate until ready to serve
- Don’t Freeze: The texture of mayo and fresh veggies changes when frozen
💡 Best within 48 hours for crunch and flavor.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 kcal |
| Protein | 21g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Note: Nutritional info may vary slightly based on brands and portions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party or picnic?
Yes! In fact, it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just keep it chilled and store dressing separately if possible.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
Absolutely. Skip the Greek yogurt and use 100% mayo or a vegan mayo alternative.
Q: What other fruit can I use besides cranberries?
Dried cherries, raisins, fresh grapes (halved), or chopped apples work beautifully.
Q: Can I freeze this chicken salad?
No. Mayo-based salads lose texture when frozen. Store in the fridge and enjoy fresh.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Chicken Salad with Cranberries is more than a lunchtime solution—it’s a versatile, customizable dish that blends gourmet flavor with simple prep. With minimal effort and maximum taste, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
💬 Tried it? Let us know your favorite variation in the comments!
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