I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – chicken and cranberry salad. This dish is a staple in our household, and we love it for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and it’s also a great addition to any holiday meal or gathering.
I remember my mom making this salad for us when I was a kid, and I’ve been making it for my own family ever since. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy celery, and tangy mayonnaise is just magic. And the best part?
It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time. Just chop up some cooked chicken, mix it with fresh cranberries, chopped celery, and a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional), and serve it on top of a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich filling. My kids love it when I serve it on whole wheat bread with sliced tomatoes on the side.
My husband loves it when I add some diced onions or chopped hard-boiled eggs to give it an extra boost of flavor. And me? Well, I just love how this salad brings everyone together around the table.
It’s a true family favorite that never gets old.
Chicken and Cranberry Salad
4.7 from 568 votes
A refreshing and hearty salad combining tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy celery in a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.
1In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, diced celery, chopped red onion, and chopped walnuts.
2Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
6For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7To serve, divide the mixed salad greens among four plates.
8Spoon the chicken and cranberry salad over the greens and serve immediately.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use vegan mayonnaise. You can also add chopped apples or grapes for extra sweetness and crunch.
Watch Video Of How Chicken and Cranberry Salad Works
This chicken and cranberry salad is always a good idea for any occasion because it is simple to make and pleases almost everyone. I bring it to family gatherings and it disappears fast, even from picky eaters.
For storage, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to reheat it, I actually prefer it cold, but you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Serve it on croissants for a fancy touch, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a low carb option. It works just as well for a quick weekday lunch as it does for a holiday buffet.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Cranberry Salad
1. Can I use canned chicken for this salad?
Yes, you can use canned chicken if you are short on time. Just drain it well and flake it with a fork. The texture will be softer than shredded rotisserie chicken, but it still works fine for a quick meal.
2. How long does chicken and cranberry salad last in the fridge?
This salad stays good for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving because the dressing may settle.
3. Can I make this salad dairy free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy free yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise in place of regular mayo or Greek yogurt. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
4. What nuts go best with chicken and cranberry salad?
Walnuts or pecans are the most popular choices. Toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes to bring out their flavor. Slivered almonds also work well for a milder crunch.
5. Can I add fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are very tart and hard, so I do not recommend using them raw. If you want to use fresh, chop them finely and mix with a little sugar first to soften them. Dried cranberries are much easier and give a better texture.
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