Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! When I’m looking for a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and delightfully refreshing, especially as the seasons shift, my mind instantly goes to a well-made chicken salad. But today, we’re giving it a vibrant, sweet-and-savory twist with my favorite Cranberry Chicken Salad. It’s creamy, crunchy, a little tangy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a versatile star that’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Cranberry Chicken Salad because it perfectly balances contrasting flavors and textures. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, especially if you have cooked chicken on hand, making it a dream for meal prep or a quick weekday lunch. The sweetness of the cranberries, the crunch of the celery and pecans, and the savory chicken all come together in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s simply irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to elevate your everyday chicken salad into something truly special and a guaranteed hit with everyone.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Cranberry Chicken Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional)
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Cooked chicken is essential for speed. Leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly boiled/pan-fried chicken breasts (then shredded or diced) are all great options.
• Mayonnaise: Use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture and best flavor. You can use light mayo, but the richness will be slightly different.
• Nuts: Pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. Walnuts or slivered almonds can be used as a substitute, or you can omit nuts if there are allergies. Toasted nuts have a much better flavor.
• Cranberries: Dried cranberries provide the perfect sweetness and chewiness. If you don’t have them, golden raisins or chopped dried apricots could be an interesting (though different) substitute.
• Onion: Red onion adds a nice bite; for a milder flavor, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before dicing.
• Tanginess: Adjust the lemon juice and Dijon mustard to your preference. A touch more of either can brighten the flavor.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare Chicken: If your chicken isn’t already shredded or diced, prepare it and set aside in a large mixing bowl. Ensure it’s cooled completely if freshly cooked.
2. Chop Veggies & Nuts: Finely dice the celery and red onion. If using, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then let cool and chop. Add the cranberries, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the chicken.
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the dressing.
5. Season: Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
6. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Cranberry Chicken Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Just before serving, stir in the fresh chopped parsley or chives if using. Serve as desired.

Tips for Success

• Cool Chicken Completely: Ensure your chicken is cold before mixing with the dressing to prevent a greasy or unappetizing texture.
• Toast Nuts: Toasting pecans (or any nuts) brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor significantly.
• Drain Cranberries (if using fresh): If by some chance using fresh cranberries, chop and consider a quick blanch or gentle cook to soften them. For dried, no prep needed.
• Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper incrementally, tasting as you go, to avoid over-seasoning. Remember that mayonnaise and other ingredients contribute their own saltiness.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to keep the chicken tender and prevent the salad from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Cranberry Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways:

• Sandwiches: Serve it on toasted bread, croissants, or in mini slider buns. My Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter could inspire a fun slider variation.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve it in crisp lettuce cups.
• Crackers or Celery Sticks: A fantastic appetizer or snack served with your favorite crackers or crunchy celery.
• Salad Topping: Spoon it over a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant main course salad. For another healthy and light chicken salad without mayo, try my Light Tangy Chicken Salad.
• Seasonal Pairing: Perfect for a fall lunch, especially when paired with a refreshing beverage like my Blueberry Lemonade or enjoyed after baking some Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Cranberry Chicken Salad is best enjoyed within 3-4 days of preparation. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Due to the mayonnaise, it’s important to keep it chilled and not leave it at room temperature for extended periods. This salad does not freeze well.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and flavorful versatility of this Cranberry Chicken Salad, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other popular chicken-based and easy meal recipes:

• For another crowd-pleasing, easy chicken dish that’s perfect for feeding a gathering, my Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a huge hit.

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Final Thoughts

Cranberry Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable dishes. It’s vibrant, easy to make, and perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and sophistication to your meal rotation. Give it a try, and let those amazing flavors brighten your day!

What are your favorite additions to classic chicken salad, or your go-to fall-inspired recipes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.