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Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe is sure to become a favorite. Tender chicken is tossed with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy celery, toasted nuts, and a creamy, tangy dressing that creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 celery stalks finely diced
  • ¼ cup red onion finely diced
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Dice or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl. Finely chop the celery, red onion, parsley, and pecans or walnuts. Add the dried cranberries and chopped ingredients to the bowl with the chicken.
    Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe (1)
Step 2: Make the Dressing
  1. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.
    Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe (6)
Step 3: Combine Everything
  1. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix so the chicken remains tender.
    Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe (5)
Step 4: Chill the Salad
  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to blend together and creates a richer, more refreshing taste.
    Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe (4)
Step 5: Stir Before Serving
  1. Remove the salad from the refrigerator and gently stir it once more. If it appears slightly thick after chilling, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to refresh the creamy consistency.
    Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe (3)
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
  1. Transfer the Cranberry Chicken Salad to a serving bowl or arrange it on croissants, sandwich bread, wraps, crackers, or crisp lettuce leaves. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a few extra dried cranberries, and chopped pecans or walnuts for an attractive finishing touch. Serve chilled for the freshest flavor and creamiest texture.
    Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe (2)

Video

Notes

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with many light side dishes.
  • Croissants
  • Sandwich bread
  • Lettuce wraps
  • Crackers
  • Pita bread
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Mixed green salad
  • Pasta salad
  • Potato chips
  • Vegetable sticks