Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
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Cranberry chicken salad is wonderful as a main course, as part of a green salad, or as a sandwich or wrap. It’s a versatile salad that always tastes delicious and fills you up.
The sweet and tart cranberries pair well with tender chicken and the creamy texture of the finished salad. If you are looking for a snack instead of a meal, this also goes great with crackers. So dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
This salad is super easy and quick to make. It’s a great meal prep recipe, and it’s great for so many different occasions from a basic lunch to picnics, potlucks, and more.
How To Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad
As mentioned above, this is a super versatile recipe. Here are some ways to serve it:
- Sandwich on whole-grain bread, croissants, or sourdough
- Wrap in tortillas or lettuce leaves
- Scoop into hollowed-out bell peppers or avocados
- Serve over mixed greens as a salad
- Pair with crackers or pita chips
- Place a dollop on mini toasts for appetizers
- Use as a topping for baked sweet potatoes
- Stuff into celery sticks for a crunchy snack
- Serve as a side dish at potlucks or picnics
- Spread on bagels or toast for breakfast or brunch
- Layer in a jar with greens and veggies for a portable salad
- Serve in endive leaves as bite-sized appetizers
- Fill a baguette or ciabatta for a hearty sandwich
- Add to a charcuterie board as a creamy dip
- Use as a filling for stuffed tomatoes
- Roll into rice paper wraps with veggies for a fresh twist
- Serve with cucumber slices or zucchini rounds as low-carb “crackers”
- Use as a topping for baked flatbread or naan
- Spoon into mini mason jars for individual servings at gatherings
- Roll into tortillas and slice into pinwheels for snacks or appetizers
Dietary And Recipe Variations
Feel like making some swaps? Try one of these substitutions:
- Nut Free – Swap nuts for seeds and check the ingredients on your mayonnaise.
- Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free yogurt or mayo.
- Extra Crunch – Add chopped apples or cucumbers.
FAQs
Can I Use Canned Chicken Or Turkey Instead Of Fresh Chicken?
You sure can! Use whatever chicken or turkey you are comfortable using.
How Do I Make This Salad Healthier?
You have a few options if you want this to be even healthier.
- You can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- You can use a mix of half mayo and half yogurt.
- You can add chopped apples, celery, and/or spinach.
What Can I Use Instead Of Mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt, dairy-free yogurt, avocado, or a vinaigrette dressing.
What’s The Best Way To Shred Or Chop The Chicken?
If you cook the chicken at home, the fastest way to shred the chicken is in a tall bowl with an electric hand mixer (or a stand mixer). It will shred your chicken uniformly and quickly.
Can I Make This Salad In Advance?
Yes, you can make this up to 2 days in advance.
What To Serve With Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Mixed greens with a light vinaigrette
- Fresh fruit salad
- Sweet potato fries
- Roasted vegetable medley
- Butternut squash soup
- Tomato basil soup
- Quinoa or wild rice pilaf
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- Garlic bread or whole-grain rolls
About The Ingredients
- Chicken – Try using rotisserie, grilled, baked, or poached chicken.
- Cranberries– Look for fruit juice-sweetened, dried cranberries. Whole Foods and Amazon both carry them.
- Mayo – Or yogurt, nuts, celery, etc., and optional add-ins.
- Pine nuts
- Celery – Chop this as fine as you can chop it.
- Dijon mustard – No sugar added.
- Salt
- Pepper
How To Make Cranberry Chicken Salad
Gather and measure all ingredients.
Place all ingredients in a deep bowl.
Mix mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl.
Place salad dressing in a bowl, also add salt and pepper.
Mix everything thoroughly. Chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes, then serve.
Storing Cranberry Chicken Salad
Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe.
More Chicken Salad Recipes
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Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 3 tbsp. pine nuts
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (fruit juice sweetened)
- 1 medium celery stalk (chopped fine)
- 2 tbsp. prepared Dijon mustard (no added sugar)
- 3 tbsp. mayonnaise
- ⅓ tsp. salt
- ⅓ tsp. ground pepper
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a deep bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl.
- Place salad dressing in a bowl, also add salt and pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly. Chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes, then serve.
